Philosophy ethical theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Philosophy ethical theory - Essay Example But recently, there has been a renewal of the interest in virtue ethics to the point where today it is one of the main ways that are employed in dealing with substantive philosophical ethics. This new interest has been generated from the dissatisfaction with the manner in which moral philosophy has been done in the contemporary time and particularly recently. This is because the contemporary and modern philosophy has insisted on moral responsibility and moral law while it ignored the sources of morality in the inner life and the character of the individual (Crisp & Slote, 1997). As is the case in many other areas in philosophy, precise definitions are hard to arrive at but the main contrast comes in the forms of ethics that are based on moral laws, rules and principles. In the case of virtue ethics, the focus is mainly on individual that is supposed to have these virtues and the inner traits that the individual possesses, their dispositions and motive that make the person eligible to be virtuous. Philosophers in the contemporary world perceive moral life as a matter of connecting properly to moral rules as opposed to the traditional virtue ethics where the understanding of moral or ethical life generally needs requires the understanding of what it is to be a virtuous person, or what it entails to have a particular virtue. This is considered to be an inner trait or a disposition that is associated with the individual (Crisp & Slote, 1997). There is a widespread conviction that is associated with virtue ethics that it does dictate what to do. In some instances, this conviction is seen only in the expressed theory that virtue ethics in being agent-centered rather than art-centered is more direct at â€Å"being† rather â€Å"doing†, with good and bad character rather than right and wrong action. Taking this supposition, virtue ethics doesn’t therefore come out as a normative opponent of practical and deontological morals. In

Sociology of Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sociology of Gender - Essay Example The next summary is of the film, Two Spirits, directed by Lydia Nibley and produced and written by Russell Martin and Lydia Nibley. It traces the real life story of Fred Martinez, a Navajo teen, whose life came to an abrupt halt at 16 years, when he was brutally murdered by another young man named Murphy. The film interestingly follows a historical timeline as it explores Fred’s carefree and brave life as a nadleehi (a male-bodied individual with a female personality) and at the same time investigates traditions that were once extensively prevalent among the indigenous people of North America. With the looming threat of an entire tradition being wiped out from among the natives, the film slowly returns to the brutal crime that took place on 16th June, 2001 in Cortez. It explores the murder site where Murphy, viciously bludgeoned Fred to death with a rock, just for being different and later bragged about it to his friends saying he, â€Å"bug-smashed a fag†. Following na rratives by Paula Mitchell, Fred’s mother, Richard La Fortune, activist of the Yupik tribe, and Cathy Renna, a leader in the LGBT community, the viewer gets a very clear picture of the vile nature of the hate crime that was meted out to young Fred. This film is created so that people can understand, accept and be compassionate about issues of gender diversity and at the same time recognize and celebrate it, in view with the wiser, traditional American cultures. The director’s attempt through this film seems to be – ‘to transform through sharing’. The last article for review is the introduction chapter of the book titled, ‘The Lenses of Gender: Transforming the Debate on Sexual Inequality’ written by Sandra Lipsitz Bem. ... This chapter reviews the historical transformation of America’s social consciousness with regard to philosophy and treatment of women. It traces historical beliefs regarding women in religious light and how it later took biological leanings. It depicts how these beliefs were further challenged by the women’s rights movement in the mid-nineteenth century and later by feminist advocacy in the early 1960s. However, the author believes that even within these changing times there exist â€Å"lenses of gender† which seek to infuse male power into social institutions and social reality, methodically and invisibly. Identifying the three lenses of gender as being – androcentrism, gender polarization and biological essentialism, the author considers them to be ways by which culture is reproducing male power. If a path can be devised to stop these discourses and enculturation, the author trusts that the feminist agenda in America can finally be achieved. Why do men h old the most powerful economic and political positions across the globe? Functionalist theorists believe that society is made up of interdependent parts, each of which plays their part in maintaining the smooth functioning of society. Their inherent belief in stability and social control is further enhanced by the common values and belief systems that the people share. This conviction in the idea of social equilibrium is asserted by values regarding family, marriage and gender roles. The conflict theorists are often viewed as being complete opposite to functional theorists because of their view that consensus is only achieved in society through exercise of power and control. They view patriarchal systems as

Globalization and how business is redefined

Globalization and how business is redefined PART 1 Project objectives and overall research approach 1.1. The reasons for choosing project topic area and choosing the particular organisation as a focus of research work 1.1.1. Reasons for choosing the project topic A phenomenal development in the concept of globalisation has been observed over the last couple of decades. Globalisation can be explained as a multidimensional concept that is expressed through several ways by many theorists. The significance of globalisation cannot be denied hence it has increasingly gained ever- growing supremacy that in the modern businesses today. Due to the increasing significance, need and requirement of globalisation to be adapted by organisations / and businesses, the author of this report is particularly interested in further exploring the concept of globalisation in context to financial institution such as Barclays Bank plc. The author also understands that globalisation had been explained with various perceptions where as parameters of the concept are hard to define because of several factors influencing the conceptualisation of globalisation. For example, the political, environmental, social, technological, legal etc. factors influence how firms globalis e and operate their businesses. Therefore, this research study is also interested in identifying a valid explanation of globalisation that must be adapted along with the subsequent practices. In addition, it has also been observed that globalisation brings in new challenges and transformations that must be adapted by businesses in context to new risks and opportunities at the same time. Therefore an important question that emerges here is that how does globalisation influence on an organisational capacity of defining its business. In order to explore and examine these questions pertaining to and dimensions of the concept of globalisation, the author chooses the subject of globalisation to be explored in context of UK financial sector. 1.1.2. Reasons for choosing Barclays Plc. Due to the global economic recession, the most affected business sector has been the financial sector. As evident, the recent economic recession claims high influence on the banking sector of the world. The after effects are established leaving the stakeholders of the global banking industry with high concerns such as whether or not the returns on their investments made into the financial sector and specifically financial institutions will be returned. Secondly, stakeholders are also equally concerned with business challenges faced by financial institutions such as Barclays plc. These challenges have been observed as loss of customers, high employee redundancy, loss of market share, loss of global supremacy of the bank in the global financial sector and so on. It has been further observed by analysts that these challenges are a result of misconduct of US Federal reserves (Protchard, 2008). According to the bank these challenges are likely to result in increasing inflation affecting t he financial assets of the bank and financial sector. The increasing challenges thus claims immeasurable influence with an increasing deteriorating circumstances leading the stakeholders in a grey area concerning the future of the bank and investments made by the stakeholders in the bank. Summing up the challenges, this research study aims to explore and identify the effect of globalisation on the bank in context to the challenges while redefining its business. The particular reason for choosing Barclays Bank plc is that it is one of the leading banks across the globe that has been successfully adapting globalisation long before other businesses had realised the opportunities to globalise their business operations. Secondly it is also intended to assess that how does a global giant redefines its business in order to address the challenges posed by globalisation. This particular bank has also been chosen because it operates in the global financial sector that has been immensely affected by the global economic recession. 1.1.2.1. Introduction to Barclays Plc. Barclays Bank plc is one of the major global banks that have been providing financial products and services in commercial, and investment banking and retail banking for over a period of 300 years. It is listed on New York and London stock market, whilst operating in 50 countries across the globe including United States, Asia, Africa and Europe. Employing 156,000 people across the globe and serving 48 million customers, the bank has developed its to business clusters that are: a) Commercial Banking and Global Retail and b) Investment Management and Investment Banking. These business clusters are made up of world-class financial and businesses brand portfolio. During the worst period of recession i.e. 2008, the bank announced a profit of  £ 6.1 billion before tax (Barclays plc Sustainability Review report, 2008). The bank is headquartered in the UK and is called as Group Centre facilitating functional operations (Group.Barclays.Com, 2009). 1.2. Research objectives and research questions This paper aims to discuss tasks of defining an organisation mission influenced by globalisation. The objectives of this study are: 1.2.1. To identify globalisation influencing on how firm redefine its business. 1.2.2. With in the same context, what remains compelling now and what must be adapted and 1.2.3. Why redefining business mission and subsequent practices is significant and must be adapted. 1.2.4. To make recommendations. The research questions are: 1.2.5. What is globalisation and how does it affect the businesses in redefining their business? 1.2.6. What factors are influential upon managements decision on redefining businesses due to globalisation? 1.3. Overall research approach and research framework developed to address the project objectives and research questions The overall research approach (Walsh and Wigens, 2003) that has been adapted by this study is explained as: a) identify research subject, b) obtain and review contextual / background information of the subject, c) identify research questions, d) define research strategy, e) identify the process and techniques of collecting data, f) carry out pilot study, g) analyse and interpret data, and h) draft research report. The data sources used for the purpose of this study are primary and secondary, where as the research strategy is the case study and survey strategy. Deductive approach of logical reasoning has also been implied along with using qualitative data analysis techniques. The research study has been underpinned by appropriate theories. PART 2 Information gathering and business techniques The data and information that has been collected concerns the subject of globalisation and its impact on the business operations of Barclays bank plc. The primary and secondary data sources enabled the researcher to collect information regarding impact of globalisation on business operations of the bank. The researcher also concentrates on evaluating current business operations of the bank by means of using three business research tools, which are Porters value chain analysis model (Katisioludes, 2006), Porters five forces analysis model (Ahlstrom and Bruton, 2009), and Porters model for competitive advantage (Porter, 1998). Utilization of these business tools directed the research study towards making analysis and evaluation of the current business global practices adapted by Barclays bank plc. Once the process of analysis and evaluation is completed, the generated information was drawn to identify those factors that influence business operations in context of globalisation as well as impact of globalisation on the bank. This information has been further used to recognize and determine the need to redefine the business mission and subsequent strategies and practices. The last step was to make recommendations through which the bank can possibly address to the changing needs of the global market specifically customers and stakeholders. 2.1. The chosen business techniques 2.1.1. Sources of information The research data has been obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data source is formed of survey research study that has been carried out for the purpose of this specific study. In addition to primary research data surces, secondary data sources are formed of academic books, research journal articles, online newspapers, company published reports, independent reports published by organisations such as Datamonitor etc. 2.1.2. Description of the methods used to collect information, including online access 2.1.2.1. The data has been collected through implying two research tools i.e. a) survey research questionnaires and b) using and reviewing secondary sources to obtain background information regarding the context of subject of globalisation and Barclays Bank plc. The survey questionnaires are designed as open-ended and semi- structured in order to draw in-depth analysis concerning the participants experiences, viewpoints and opinions along with addressing the research questions. The strength of survey questionnaires lies in drawing out perceptive responses, exceptional characteristic and contradictory (if any) views of the participants. Secondly survey research method also draws out interpretive standpoint of the survey participants (Mack and Woodsong, 2005; Marshall and Rossman, 2006). This technique of primary data collection is cost-effective and efficient. The primary data was collected through a self-administered e-mail platform and the survey participants were randomly selected. An estimated number of hundred employees of Barclays Bank plc were contacted and invited through e-mails to participate in the survey research study. The purpose, objectives and outcomes of the survey research were explained. Only 35 of these contacted employees replied positively, demonstrating their interest and commitment in participating in the survey research. A pilot study was first conducted through inviting 10 respondents. The comments and feedback (explaining the validity and viability of questions, ease of understanding the questions, possible interpretations of the questions by the participants etc.) of these respondents were valuable in reforming the final survey questionnaire. Once the final questionnaire was designed, it was sent to all survey participants through e-mail. The respondents were provided with a period of four weeks to fill in the questionnaires and return it to the researchers provided e-mail address. 2.1.2.2. The secondary data was collected through reviewing research journal articles accessible through databases such as Emerald, Sage Journals, Informaworld, ScienceDirect, Willey Science, Datamonitor etc. Secondary data was also collected through reviewing reports published by Barclays Bank plc, along with reviewing online newspapers. The data was reviewed and analysed to extract valuable information concerning the subject. 2.1.3. Research limitations while gathering information While collecting the information certain limitations have been encountered by the researcher such as possibility of biased reviews regarding the organisational performance of the bank that is likely to mislead the researcher while forming opinions. Secondly while carrying out the primary research, it is expected that the survey participants may be influenced by certain factors that can affect the quality and validity of their replies. Lastly the researcher aimed to contact at least 75 employees in order to draw significant research findings, however due to limited survey population it is expected that the research findings and analysis may not be viable due to the fact that sample population may not represent the actual population. Drawing on these limitations, it is expected that the data validity can be challenged. 2.1.4. Identification of any ethical issues that arose during information gathering and how such issues are resolved While carrying out the primary research, researcher was particularly focused towards maintaining the integrity of the collected data. This means that all the data and information collected as a result of primary research must be protected against any misuse of information. For example the research explained the survey participants that the collected data will only be used for the identified purpose and objectives. In order to maintain the researchers claim, it is crucial that the data stays with the researcher where as the name, contact details such as email addresses etc. of survey participants are kept confidential. The data integrity has also been maintained which means that data has been interpreted and analyzed through avoiding any biased views of the researcher towards the studied organisation and collected data. Secondly, while referring to the secondary data collected for the purpose of this study, the researcher was particularly focused towards ensuring that all the previous research studies used for this study are appropriately and sufficiently referenced, credited and acknowledged. For this reason, the researcher ensured that all the data provided by previous researchers have been appropriately referred and acknowledged. For that reason, this report is free of plagiarism, where as all the previous research studies have been appropriately referenced and credited. 2.1.5. An explanation of business techniques that have been used, including a discussion of their limitations. The business research techniques that have been used for this research study are case study and survey strategies, qualitative data analysis techniques and deductive approach of logical reasoning. 2.1.5.1. The case study strategy is explained as strategy of carrying out research including practical examination and analysis of a specific contemporary phenomenon as explained within its real-life business scenarios through implication of multiple sources of data validation (Robson, 2002). The limitation of this strategy is to draw perceptive meaning out of the collected data that can vary from researcher to researcher. The perception of the data can also be influenced by the context of the research subject (Yin, 2004). The survey research strategy is explained as carrying out survey research by means of involving a sample of population to answer provided questions. The limitation of this strategy is that the researcher is solely dependent upon the data provided by the survey participants, hence the research findings and analysis is a result of data provided by the participants that may not be validated if required. 2.1.5.2. The data analysis technique adapted by this research study is qualitative data analysis technique. The qualitative technique enables the researcher to determine information that is extracted according to the constructivist perspective or participatory perspective or even both. Constructivist perspective has been explained as research built upon several interpretations of various understandings collected by the researcher with an ambition of establishing a theory or research pattern. On the other hand, participatory perspective has been explained as constructing upon issue- related, change oriented or combined perspectives (Creswell, 2003). This research study adapts the constructivist perspective of data analysis technique. The limitations of this technique experienced by the researcher are a) difficulty in making structured comparisons while analyzing and interpreting data, b) process of data analysis is dependent upon the skills of the researcher, c) time-consuming process and d) relatively less easy to generalise the data. 2.1.5.3. In addition to above technique, deductive approach of logical reasoning has been implied by this study. This approach is directly associated with research environment. Deductive approach of logical reasoning has been utilised by means of using following pattern: a) making observations, b) observing research patterns, c) testing hypothesis and d) testing the theory involved (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Cooper and Schindler, 2006). The limitation of this approach as experienced by the researcher is that conclusions are made based on assumptions drawn through empirical evidences that can be different within the context of different research environments. PART 3 Results, analysis, conclusions and recommendations 3.1. A description of the results that have obtained and any limitations This section of the report aims to present all the collected data and information, based upon which, analysis and research findings have been presented in the following section. This section identifies global challenges faced by the bank while operating globally. Upon identifying these challenges, the adapted practices of the bank are examined in redefining its global business mission resulting in subsequent strategies and practices. The limitations faced during the data collection and data analysis process are same as identified in the previous section of this report. 3.1.1. Challenges faced by Barclays Bank plc as a result of globalisation Globalisation has been explained as a multi- faceted phenomenon carrying different viewpoints as has been realised by the review of the literature (e.g. Rapley, 2004; Meffert and Bloch, 1991). This means that the dynamic nature of the phenomenon is likely to raise challenges such as global warming, carrying out ethical business, addressing social responsibility issues, paying back to the communities where the business operates and so on. These challenges were not known about 50 years ago before the advent of globalisation. Similarly, even though Barclays Bank plc has been increasingly expanding its global business, nevertheless the aforementioned issues increasingly and continually keep challenge the bank. In addition, other economical challenges such as poverty and taking strategic steps to combat poverty require competent economic policies to be adapted that supports the business policies at the same time (Fischer, 2003). Therefore, Barclays is increasingly challenged to not only d eliver business performance excellence but it is also challenged to serve back the communities by means of addressing issues such as fighting poverty with in the communities where it is operating. Secondly the economic challenge faced by the bank is addressing to the issues of credit crunch. The recessed economy restricts economic development of countries where it is currently operation. As a result of which, management has to take decisions such as job redundancies. For that reason it is argued that despite of the fact that globalisation fosters equality, the results of integration of global economy, and the consequences of flow of capital across national boundaries is likely to threaten the global financial structure of the economies (Fischer 2003; Lloyd and Demos 2001; Baldwin and Winters 2004). Another issue that is faced by the bank is technological advancement, which is considered to be a dominant driver for the changes experienced by the bank in the due course of process of globalisation (Mulgan, 2007). The same researcher states that those organisations which were household names with in last 20 years time of time period, are now web- based organisations with established and fundamental fears that Internet could further advance into more commercialised and develop in to inaccessible commodity then it can be realised today (Mulgan, 2007). Upon identifying these challenges, the researcher now aims to examine the business operations of the bank in context to creating its value chain and competitive advantage. This identification leads the researcher towards assessing how the effect of global age, and globalisation resulted in defining the business mission and subsequent strategies and practices by Barclays Bank plc. In context with the above challenges faced by the bank due to adaption of globalisation as a fundamental business need, the research study now aims to analyse and evaluate current value chain of the bank and industrial competitive forces in order to identify how these challenges influence the redefinition of business mission and subsequent strategic practices of the bank. 3.1.2. Implying the value chain analysis as proposed by Porter (Katsioloudes, 2006), following findings and analysis has been presented. The data of Barclays Bank has been extracted from Barclays Bank PLC Sustainability Review (2008) and primary data collected through survey research questionnaires (see appendix 1). 3.1.2.1. Inbound logistics Suppliers of the bank are required to attend to challenges such as supply chain risks, business integrity, human rights and environmental issues so that a sustainable supply chain steering group can be established that will be accountable to improve business processes, tools and techniques along with addressing training and development needs of its employees as well as supply chain partners in order to operate successfully in the global market. 3.1.2.2. Operations The UK and the European business operations of the bank equalized operational carbon emissions as well as reduced energy consumption per employee by a rate of 2.1 per cent. The same carbon operations had been executed and practiced across the global operations by the end of year 2009. Secondly the bank demonstrates its commitment to stabilize economies those extending beyond its own operations and procurement strategies so that a distinguished role of the bank can be recognised in developing long-term relationship with its customers and stakeholders. 3.1.2.3. Outbound logistics The bank capitalizes on the advantages laid by new regulations on the banking and financial sector to secure a handful of distributors. Previously, the bank was connected to one provider and regulated by the legislative requirements, however today it is tied to 6 distributors such as fund managers, life insurance and so forth. 3.1.2.4. Marketing and sales The bank has been observed and reported to be supporting small and medium enterprises in the UK even though the local economy had been under financial distress that resulted in an increment of 6 per cent in its lending to the small and medium enterprises. In context of its global operations, the bank also announced and executed a debt repair line for South African customers who were facing financial difficulties. Further on with an ambition of attending to the changing customer needs and demands, the bank has been increasingly observed and reported to be developing its customer relationship along with investing in innovation and technologically enabled and advance services and products. Customer relationship have been improved through implying customer relationship management practices, however drawing on the collected data, such practices needs to be further developed and improved. 3.1.2.5. Services Due to innovative products and services offered by the bank during the recessed economic situation, the bank reported an improvement in its financial records. For example during the year 2008, more than 57,000 employees of the bank were engaged in volunteering and fundraising activities with a purpose of serving the community such as collecting donations for charitable causes. In addition to this, the market share of the banks mortgage lending also increased from 8 per cent to 36 per cent, whereas the income rate of the bank also increased up to  £ 23.1 billion by the end of year 2008. As suggested by the value chain analysis model, the above strategic system obtains further support through business infrastructure of the bank that has been assessed below: (Data source: Group.Barclays.com, 2009; Primary research see appendix 1) 3.1.2.6. The infrastructure The bank has also been reported to form partnerships and alliances with micro-finance firms, technical providers, local charities and government so that the needs and demands of its customers and stakeholders can be addressed. The bank also cultivates a performance- base management system supported by organisational culture that regulates and facilitates target- oriented performances to be delivered by the employees and subsequently the bank. 3.1.2.7. Human Resource Management The bank also practices diversity (cultural, ethnical and gender- based) while recruiting employees across the globe, solely based upon their talents. Secondly, the hard efforts and good performances of employees are rewarded and recognised. Most importantly the bank reports that women fill 25 per cent of senior managerial positions. This proportion has increased from 2 per cent from year 2007 up to 25 per cent during the financial year 2008. An estimated number of hundred and fifty three thousand employees are employed by the bank across the globe. Most importantly the bank claims to practice work- based diversity. 3.1.2.8. Technological development The bank employs technology- based equipment in order to generate clean energy, reducing gas and carbon emissions along with reducing use of electricity and water. In order to further reduce the consumption of paper, it offers mobile banking services in India, UK etc. In South Africa, the bank offers services and products that help government welfare beneficiaries to obtain inclusion in the financial system. 3.1.2.9. Procurement Barclays Bank plc also adapts to industrial best practices in supply chain monitoring in order to evaluate supply chain verification along with deploying tools and techniques that are aligned with adapted business strategies. The supply chain stretches across 50 countries where the bank operates. The strategic intent is to employ competent supply chain management practices so that the strategic and long-term business benefits can be obtained. 3.1.3. Upon assessing the value chain of the bank, their researcher and now aims to examine five competitive forces responsible for redefining business strategies. In order to do so Porters (1998) tool of assessing five competitive forces have been implied: 3.1.3.1. The force of threats of new entrants has been evaluated at a moderate level because the bank obtains its increased share of 36 per cent mortgage market in 2008, which is an increase from just 8 per cent market share in the financial year 2007. The bank had also obtained higher customer satisfaction rate in the UK raising from 64 per cent in 2007 to 67 per cent in 2008. Nevertheless, the bank also demonstrates increasing potential to bring this force to minimum because of the strategic practices it has adapted such as business diversity, employee diversity, environmental consumption, inclusive banking and strategic supply chain management initiatives. 3.1.3.2. The industrial force of bargaining power of suppliers has been evaluated to be low due to the banks policy of development and deployment of supply chain through carrying out strict screening policies so that the business vision of the suppliers are in line with the business vision of the bank. It has also been observed that because of its dominant market presence, strategic market positioning along with banks investments made into developing its supply chain, Barclays is privileged to be the first choice of suppliers thus making this force low. 3.1.3.3. The bargaining power of buyers has been evaluated to be at a modest level because buyers have other substitutes (banks, and financial institutions etc.) to attend to their banking needs. These needs can also be addressed by the competitors such as ABN Amro, Lloyds TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland, Standard Chartered and so on. It has also been assessed that this force can be lowered through banks continued commitment towards addressing customer demands and conducting ethical business. 3.1.3.4. The threats of substitutes have been evaluated as low because of the distressed economic situation that makes it intricate for the substitutes entering into new markets that are regulated by cash starved economy. On the other hand, emerging economic nations such as Brazil, Russia, China and India could be a potential market for substitutes that are likely to promise positive results. This can induce competition for the bank with in the emerging / and developing economies. 3.1.3.5. The industrial force of market rivalry among the financial organisations has been evaluated as extremely high because of the volatile banking sector resulting from mergers and business acquisitions, business alliances etc. that had been recently experienced by banking giants such as HBOS and Lehman Bros. In addition to this, the global economic distressed situation increases rivalry among financial institutions, services and products that are offered in the market since they are closely associated with economic conditions and interest rates, governed by the individual governments. 3.2. A critical analysis / evaluation of results including an explanation of significant research findings 3.2.1. Competitive advantage of Barclays Bank plc as a result of redefined business mission, strategies and practices Utilisation of competitive advantage model as proposed by Porter (table 3.1) while evaluating the banks competitive advantage demonstrates that the bank keeps an ambition of producing innovative and unique products and services by means of using innovative and technologically enabled organisational resources. In addition the organisation resources and subsequent competitive advantage that has been achieved by the bank adds value to the business by means of the adapted practices of supply chain management (section 3.1.2). Along with, the bank also provides inclusive banking services and products. Inclusive banking has been explained as â€Å"helping those who are excluded from the financial system to join and benefit from it† through opening 1.77 million accounts for low-income customers (Barclays Bank PLC Sustainability Review 2008, p12). The bank also concentrates to exercise ‘sustainability strategy by means of demonstrating its commitment towards stabilizing and devel oping those economies where the bank operates. In addition the bank also concentrates on carrying out ethical business (such as reducing water gas and electricity usage, lowering down carbon emission, making communal investments, practicing diversity at work etc.). In particular the bank has also been observed as developing relationships with its stakeholders (employees, customers, shareholders, supply chain partners, business creditors and investors, community etc.) Conclusively the competitive advantage of the bank has been assessed as to differentiation and focused according to the Porters model of competitive advantage as illustrated in the table below. Table 3. 1. Porters model for competitive advantage Competitive advantage Low cost Differentiation Competitive scope Broad target Cost leadership Differentiation Competitive scope Narrow target Cost focus Differentiation focus 3.2.2.   Drawing on the above analysis and evaluation, following factors have been identified that influences the redefinition of business mission and subsequent strategies and practices: 3.2.2.1. The globa

American high schools not up to par :: essays research papers

American High Schools Not Up To Par There are many factors that would lead someone to believe that high school is a waste of time. High school has too many distractions for kids to try to concentrate on learning. Since the Columbine tragedy police officers have moved into most high schools and created a distraction for most students. During the day students have study halls that are a huge waste of time, while this time could be utilized to have more instruction or tutoring for kids. Every student is different and has a different learning style. Yet schools don’t separate kids by their learning style to help maximize their curriculum intake. Students are also forced to take classes that they have no interest in and will not be used in their future. All these reasons show how school has too much wasted time and is not doing what it school is intended to do.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During the school day students are faced with many distractions that may keep them from doing their best. Since all of the school shootings in recent years schools have beefed up security across the country. Students are faced with metal detectors as they walk in the school doors. Dogs are used in the schools to conduct random searches and some students find this very controversial. Students are violent and are bringing weapons to school and making bomb threats. These can cause lockdowns that can take hours to search the whole school. This is all valuable time taken from the school day. Police officers are also a new presence in the school system that intimidates students. School is supposed to be a place of learning but now students have to worry if they are safe when they go to school. All these distractions have some students scared to go to school. Every one of these distractions creates an environment that is not conducive to learning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Almost every student has had a study hall. Study halls are a huge waste of time because students end up just sitting around getting themselves into trouble. How is one to study when these are quiet study halls? Studying is much easier with a partner where each can quiz each other aloud. With block scheduling students can waste eighty minutes a day if they have a study hall. That’s an hour and twenty minutes where a class of importance could be put in.

King of the Bingo Game: An analysis

â€Å"King of the Bingo game† by Ralph Ellison is about a man, in desperate need of money, cheating at a bingo game.   More importantly, the story revolves around a desperate man seeking sanity and solution in a world he cannot control.   This desperate and futile search for answers is what ultimately leads him to his demise.The backdrop of the story is during World War II.   This time was particularly chaotic as the war is pulling on the economic resources of everyone.   It is more chaotic for the Bingo King as his wife is sick and he needs money for her care.   He cannot work in the factories, as he has no birth certificate.   The last chance he has is a Bingo game being held in a movie theater.   This is the place where his life will end.   This is the place where the contradictions of freedom and slavery, wealth and poverty, Sanity and madness will all meet.A big factor of this story in the race of the main character.   He is a black man living from the s outh.   This is the 1940’s; hence slavery has been abolished for some time.   Yet, The Bingo King is still a slave to something else.   He has an inability to make money, yet is in desperate need of it.   He cannot work in the factories; hence he is â€Å"useless† to society.   There is a promise of money from a game; hence he places all his hopes into it.   The slavery in this story is slavery to capitalism.   There is this illusion that one can make it rich on one’s own merits.   Yet, as Bingo King himself say’s in reference to the Wheel, â€Å"This is God†.This is the contradiction to the standard idea of equal rights and freedom that America is commonly personified.   The idea that all men are created equal and are free to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.   This is all dashed apart by the wheel, which flippantly controls the ebb and flow of life and fortune.The Bingo King, upon realizing this, realizes tha t his only hope for sanity and fortune is through this wheel, which he now believes controls all things.   An idea like freedom or equality seems laughable in the face of this machine, which deals out fortune or loss on a whim.   Upon seeing this, the Bingo King realizes that only through the constant spinning of the wheel will his life have any meaning.   This is the failure of sanity, which leads him to his death.In a way, the journey that the Bingo king undertakes is parallel to that of the Faustus in Christopher Marlowe’s classic play.   Faustus is a noble and proud man of science.   One notable characteristic about Faust is that he has a deep thirst for knowledge and understanding.   This is a noble and proud endeavor, not one that would be considered wrong or sick by any standards.   The problem comes with the methods that he uses to gain that knowledge.   In his thirst, he signs his soul over to the demon Mephistopheles so that he may be granted powers not meant for mortal man.   Over the course of the story, Faustus takes a journey that leads him into arrogance and madness.   The story comes to an end with a vision of Faustus being dragged kicking and screaming into hellfire.There is a definite Faustian theme that prevails throughout â€Å"King of the Bingo Game†.   Like Faust, the Bingo King starts on this journey for a noble endeavor.   He wishes for the means to take care of his wife Laura.   His motives are pure and honorable, and he seeks no more than the money needed to take care of his sick wife.   As he reaches the bingo wheel, he sees the power that it holds over his own life.   He sees that life is simply a matter of fate, controlled by chance and whim of luck.   The Bingo King sees this â€Å"whim of luck† as God.   So by his reasoning, if he controls the wheel, he becomes God.   It is then that he becomes mad with a sense of false power.We see this from his thoughts he has concerning the crowd in the theater.   As they heckle and jeer him from his resistance to leave the stage, the Bingo King becomes more and more inwardly hostile towards them:They had been playing the bingo game day in and night out for years, trying to win rent money or hamburger change.   But not one of those wise guys had discovered this wonderful thing†¦.Now he faced the raging crowd with defiance†¦ He was running the show, by God!   They had to react to him, for he was their luck.   This is me, he thought.   Let the bastards yell.Ralph Ellison, King of the Bingo GameHe looks at the crowd and he sees them as fools.   He does this because he thinks that he has found the answer.   This is far from the truth, as he has simply gone mad.   Like Faust, he believes that he is in possession of all the answers.   This is far from the truth.   He sees the glamour of the Bingo wheel as the power over the universe.   Others see it as just an opportunity for fun and a lit tle money.These are the two separate worlds that the wheel inhabits.   There is the world of reality, where the wheel is just a game.   Then there is the world that the Bingo King sees from his point of view.   The world where he can become a god from winning this game and controlling this wheel.   This is a world he came to out of desperation and madness, struggling to get money and a job and not being able to find a place within the world of the story.This brings up the theme of Alienation.   The Bingo King is living in a world that has no place for him.   He has no birth certificate.   Hence, he does not exist.   And seeing the fact that he does not exist, the world has no use for him anywhere.   He cannot gain work in a factory for this reason or gain work anywhere else.   To the world, he is obsolete.   For that reason, other people tend to ignore him.Examples of this are the people in the theater who do not even acknowledge that he exists until the Bingo Game.   One woman is eating peanuts right in front of him.   He recalls his time in his hometown where he could simply ask someone for a few peanuts and they would gladly give it to him.   He realizes that the situation is different here.   This is the big city.   No one cares if he exists or not.   This is the big city.   If he asks the woman for peanuts in this theater, she’ll ignore him, or tell him to get his own bag.This Alienation is not due to the color of his skin.   It is not because his descendents were of an â€Å"inferior race† or because of any preconceived stereotypes about his people.   This alienation comes simply from the world he is living in now.   Everyone is separate from each other.   Everyone in the theater is separate.   No one knows each other or has any real concern for each other.   Their only concern is themselves and their own lives.   All that is needed is to sate their own hungers or wants or needs.   There i s never a concern for their fellow man or giving to others simply out of the joy of giving.   All is meant for one’s self.The joke of the Jackpot, however, is how small the jackpot really is.   The Jackpot of 36.90, even for the forties, is a small amount.   The Bingo king really has no hope of saving his wife through this game, nor does he have any hope of getting out of the poverty that he is currently suffering.   Yet the game is giving him this false hope that it is possible.   This is once again going to the theme of desperation that is cast over him through his alienation.   Bingo King has become so desperate, that he thinks he sees fortune where there is none.This is the overarching theme of the story.   That society alienates itself from others an as a result, the people of that society sees little hope.   In seeing little hope, they give their lives for a cause that may not seem entirely valiant.   Sadly, in the end, this is the fate of the Bingo Ki ng.BibliographyMarlowe, Christopher. The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus. Oxford, England:Oxford University Press, 1998.Ellison, Ralph. â€Å"King of the Bingo Game.† The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction.By Richard Bausch. New York: Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc., 2005.

Being a Taxi Driver Is One Good Opportunity

No job is easy. That’s a statement that I always believe in. In everything you do, you always have to do it right and with your best. Being a taxi driver is not an exemption. Yet despite being a challenging job, it is an awesome opportunity for meeting different kinds of people and going to different places. From Taxi Register, being a taxi driver requires one to be sociable, polite and friendly. I surely agree with it. No passenger would like to ride a cab whose driver looks so uninviting. At all times I try my best to be courteous, polite and accommodating to my passengers. As a taxi driver I know that I am responsible not just for my own safety but also that of my passengers. I need to drive efficiently to avoid any mishaps on the road. I also need to have a good sense of direction, knowing which roads to take to avoid traffic and bringing my passengers in great state to their destination. When caught in the middle of the traffic, I should stay calm and relaxed. Being a taxi driver also puts me to different instances of interacting with various people. Some are also as friendly as I am to them, while others can be hard to deal with. It is during such times that I need to be calm and think of ways to communicate with them efficiently without bringing about any conflict. As a taxi driver, I have also developed my mathematical skills in handling money. I need to give the right amount of money for change to the passengers. Some people put down taxi drivers just because it does not require any formal education to become one. As long as you know how to drive you can become a taxi driver. Though there is no formal education for this career, taxi drivers need to pass a licensing examination to test our knowledge about local geography and routes. Taxi drivers also deserve a high opinion. We are trying to earn money decently. We try our best to take you to your places quickly and safely; we work for your best road interest. We may even tell tourist some valuable information about the places they visit. In addition, many of us are conscientious and trustworthy. There are many times when honest taxi drivers return valuable belongings left inside the cab by some passengers.

Free Essays on Franklin Roosevelt Biography

Curriculum-Vitae Franklin Delano Roosevelt Born: At his family's estate at Hyde Park, in Dutchess County, New York. Parents: He was the only child of James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt. James Roosevelt was a moderately successful businessman, with a variety of investments and a special interest in coal. He was also a conservative Democrat who was interested in politics. Sara Delano, 26 years younger than her previously widowed husband, brought to the marriage a fortune considerably larger than that of James Roosevelt. Franklin was born into a pleasant and sociable home, with loving parents and congenial, rather aristocratic companions. Education: His mother supervised his education until he was 14. French-speaking and German-speaking tutors did most of the actual instruction and helped him develop early a talent for those languages. For further education, he went to Groton School in Massachusetts, which had a reputation as one of the finest of the exclusive private schools that prepared boys for the Ivy League colleges. From Groton Roosevelt went on to Harvard College. He entered in 1899, and remained until 1904. He took his bachelor's degree in 1903 but returned to Harvard in the fall to serve as editor of the student newspaper, The Crimson. He then moved to New York City, where he entered the Columbia University Law School in 1904. Although he attended classes until 1907, he failed to stay on for his law degree after passing the state examinations allowing him to practice law. Marriage: Before he finished his work at Columbia, young Franklin Roosevelt had married his distant cousin Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. They had been in love for some time and were married in spite of the opposition of Franklin's mother in New York City on March 17, 1905 The bride's uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, was present at the ceremony. Five of their six children grew to maturity: Anna, James, Elliott, Franklin, Jr., and ... Free Essays on Franklin Roosevelt Biography Free Essays on Franklin Roosevelt Biography Curriculum-Vitae Franklin Delano Roosevelt Born: At his family's estate at Hyde Park, in Dutchess County, New York. Parents: He was the only child of James Roosevelt and Sara Delano Roosevelt. James Roosevelt was a moderately successful businessman, with a variety of investments and a special interest in coal. He was also a conservative Democrat who was interested in politics. Sara Delano, 26 years younger than her previously widowed husband, brought to the marriage a fortune considerably larger than that of James Roosevelt. Franklin was born into a pleasant and sociable home, with loving parents and congenial, rather aristocratic companions. Education: His mother supervised his education until he was 14. French-speaking and German-speaking tutors did most of the actual instruction and helped him develop early a talent for those languages. For further education, he went to Groton School in Massachusetts, which had a reputation as one of the finest of the exclusive private schools that prepared boys for the Ivy League colleges. From Groton Roosevelt went on to Harvard College. He entered in 1899, and remained until 1904. He took his bachelor's degree in 1903 but returned to Harvard in the fall to serve as editor of the student newspaper, The Crimson. He then moved to New York City, where he entered the Columbia University Law School in 1904. Although he attended classes until 1907, he failed to stay on for his law degree after passing the state examinations allowing him to practice law. Marriage: Before he finished his work at Columbia, young Franklin Roosevelt had married his distant cousin Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. They had been in love for some time and were married in spite of the opposition of Franklin's mother in New York City on March 17, 1905 The bride's uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, was present at the ceremony. Five of their six children grew to maturity: Anna, James, Elliott, Franklin, Jr., and ...

Work Stress and Its Effects on Individuals

Work Stress and Its Effects on Individuals Introduction This paper aims to discuss such phenomenon as work stress and its effects on individuals and organizations. Overall, there are numerous definitions of this disorder; I would like to adopt the explanation provided by World Health Organization; it says that work stress is a negative emotional and physical response which is caused by the fact that a person cannot meet job demands, or thinks that he/she cannot cope with his/her work duties (WHO, as cited in Drenth et al, 1998, p 397).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Work Stress and Its Effects on Individuals specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This condition is normally accompanied by such symptoms as irritability, depression, the feeling of dissatisfaction, depression or even heart diseases (NIOSH, 2010, unpaged). In some cases, job stress can lead to aggression and violence toward others (co-workers, family members, and even completely unknown people). Manage rs of leading companies have long realized that this phenomenon is dangerous to both employees and companies, and one of their priorities is to remove the causes of work stress and or at least minimize its aftereffects. These are the most important questions that we need to analyze in this paper. The causes and effects of work stress The factors, leading to work stress In order to eliminate stressful situations in the workplace, one should first examine their underlying causes. At the moment, both scholars and managers concur that it is connected with the personal traits of an employee, and with the managerial policies, established within the company. One of the reasons why people can suffer from work stress is inadequate level of self-esteem (Resnick, 2004, p 15). For example, a person, who has a low level of self-esteem, usually regards any workplace problem as a sign of his/her inaptitude and inability to live up to the employer’s expectations. Normally, such people experi ence extreme feeling of anxiety or depression which may eventually culminate into a nervous breakdown. There is also a reverse side of this coin, and it is high level of self-esteem. As a rule, these individuals believe that the senior management is biased against them and criticizes them unjustly. For them, any managerial criticism is a personal offence. Excessive perfectionism is another character trait greatly contributes to work stress because a person, who usually sets high standards for himself, is more vulnerable to workplace stress. The thing is that such individuals usually dedicate too much time to some minor details that are not very relevant to their immediate duties, while their overall productivity remains at the same level (Corveleyn et al, 2005, p 116).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Furthermore, when they do not receive credit for their perfection ism, they begin to think that they are undervalued by the managers. When speaking about individual sources of work stress, we should also mention poor relations with family members and friends, health problems, sleep deprivation and so forth. They do not directly trigger aggression, violence or the feeling of anxiety, but they intensify the impact of any stress situation. However, the cause of work stress should also be sought in the organizational and managerial policies of the organization, itself. These organizational factors are as follows: High turnover in the organization that leads to the feeling of job insecurity, which is widespread among people with low level of self-esteem; Lack of recognition and reward, in other words, the management does not notice or appreciate the efforts of the employees and their achievements; Continuous overtime that leads to fatigue and depression; Inability to participate in decision-making; 5) cognitive overload or the necessity to think about different assignments at the same time (Barling et al 2005). Therefore, this discussion indicates that the management of stressful situation in the workplace requires joint collaboration of management and employers. The effects of work stress In the introduction we have already touched upon physical and psychological impacts of work stress, such as excessive irritability, aggression towards co-workers and relatives, the feeling of discontent, insomnia, or heart diseases (NIOSH, 2010, unpaged). It should also be mentioned that such a person normally alienates oneself from his colleagues whom he regards primarily as rivals or even enemies (Barling et al, 2005). It should be borne in mind that such alienation can last for a very long time, and the actual outburst of anger or aggression very suddenly. Usually, it is provoked by some minor problem that can be quickly dealt with, for instance, malfunctioning of office computer, traffic jam, or some minor reprimand of the senior manageme nt. These irritants can a profound effect on the employee, suffering from job stress, though under normal circumstances, they would stir little or no reaction. It stands to reason that the productivity of these people declines either in terms of quantity or in quality (Barling et al, 2005). One has to bear in mind that their attitude toward workplace duties differs significantly, for instance, some employees try to follow managers’ instructions to the letter; however, they lack any initiative. The thing is that they are too reluctant to take any responsibility due to the fear of losing one’s job. Very often, the employees try to rush through the work in order to complete each of their assignments as quickly as possible and as a result, the quality of their work deteriorates. The organizations, in which stress situation occur on a regular basis, have to cope with a great variety of challenges. One of them is poor teamwork as the employees, who suffer from this stress, a re disinclined to help others or take part in brainstorming.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Work Stress and Its Effects on Individuals specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Another issue, faced by the management of such organizations is poor customer service. The thing is that individuals, suffering from work stress, can be irritated by any complaint of the customer, even a small one. As we have pointed out before, these people are either afraid of taking any responsibility due to the fear of losing one’s job, or they can be negligent to their duties because of continuous overwork. Both these attitudes are equally harmful for the functioning of customer service. It would not be an exaggeration to say that such companies cannot reach their strategic and short-term objectives. In the majority of cases, their financial and operational performance leaves much to be desired. Again, we have to stress an idea that the s olution of this problem requires much effort from both employees and management. Ways of managing stress in the workplace At this point, we need to map out strategies of managing workplace; at first we need to describe how the employees should behave in order to avoid mental, emotional and physical strain. It is of the crucial importance that they maintain positive attitude toward the management and colleagues (Stranks, 2005, p 76). They should not view them as their enemies or someone who deliberately does harm to them; otherwise they will conjure monsters out of thin air. They must understand that a good employer is interested in the retention of experienced workers. This is the reason why the employees should not be afraid of airing their opinions and complaints to the senior managers. In the majority of cases, a good executive officer is always willing to keep employees satisfied, and he/she will always pay attention to their needs. A person, who feels some sort of strain, shoul d at least talk to the manager and there is great likelihood that his concerns will be addressed. Unfortunately, many people avoid doing it in effort to look independent, self-sufficient, and strong. Getting enough sleep is also important element of preventing work stress because sleep deprivation results in irritability and attention deficit (Stranks, 2005, p 80). Overall, a person should get at least seven hours of sleep to be productive at the workplace. Apart from that, one should not underestimate the importance of keeping appropriate diet. These recommendations may appear to be truisms but a great number of people forget about them. In order to become an efficient employee, who can effectively overcome stress situations, a person should always spare a certain amount of time for his/her own needs that are entirely unrelated to the workplace duties.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The thing is that an individual, who does not do that, usually feels as though work were the only purpose of his existence, and this is certainly very depressing. Finally, one should re-evaluate one’s self-esteem and self-efficacy as sometimes people underrate their skills and competencies and think that they are performing poorly. Still, without active support of the management even the most balanced and even-tempered individual can reach the breaking point. In their turn, the managers need to develop appropriate schedule and set reasonable timelines so that the employees did not have to continuously work overtime. Secondly, they need to clearly define the duties and responsibilities of the subordinates. As it has been noted before, cognitive overload is one of the leading causes of job stress. A person, who has to think about a great number of things at a time, inevitably feels emotional and mental strain. This is one of things, which managers neglect due to some reason. Th e development of new remuneration system is also an important part of work stress management. Senior officers must remember that virtually every employee needs to feel that he/she is being valued by the company, and that his/her successes and contributions do not go unnoticed. More importantly, it is not always necessary to increase the amount of monetary compensation, paid to the worker. In many cases, non-monetary awards can also be very effective (Mathis Jackson, 2007). For instance, the managers can present well-performing employees with brand products, provide them with opportunities for career development, or simply praise them, when they do deserve the praise. Our general recommendation to the managers is to be more attentive to the needs of their behavior of their subordinates because work stress can be avoided or detected even at an early stage. Thus, it is possible for us to argue that sensitivity is one of the qualities the manager should possess in order to minimize wor k stress. Conclusion Job stress that poses so many threats to individuals and organizations originates from the inability or unwillingness of the management and employees to communicate with one another. Certainly, there are other causes of this phenomenon like the structure of the company, economic situation in the country, family, and health problems. Nonetheless, lack of communication is the major factor: people, who seldom even talk to their colleagues, managers, or subordinates, usually do not think highly of others. Finally, we should say that fear of expressing one’s opinions, concerns and emotions also leads to work stress. References Barling J. Kelloway, E, Frone M. 2005. Handbook of work stress. London: Sage. Corveleyn. J. Luyten, P. Blatt. S. 2005 The theory and treatment of depression: towards a dynamic interactionism model. London: Routledge. Drenth. P J. Thierry H. Wolff C. 1998. Handbook of Work and Organizational Psychology: Personnel psychology. NY: Psycho logy Press. Mathis. R. Jackson. J. 2007. Human resource management. NY: Cengage Learning. National Institute of Occupational Safety. 2010. Work Organization and Stress-Related Disorders. Web. Resnick B. 2004. Restorative care nursing for older adults: a guide for all care settings. NJ: Springer Publishing Company. Stranks, J. 2005 Stress at work: management and prevention. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Catcher In The Rye Essay Thesis

Catcher In The Rye Essay Thesis he book A Farewell to Arms, written by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic about the love story of a nurse and a war ridden soldier. The story starts as Frederick Henry is serving in the Italian Army. He meets his future love in the hospital that he gets put in for various reasons. I thought that A Farewell to Arms was a good book because of the symbolism, the exciting plot, and the constant moving of the main character. The symbolism in A Farewell to Arms is very much apparent. Ernest Hemingway has always been one who is big on the symbolism of night as being bad. To the main character in Hemingways novels, nights have always been a sign of death, or something negative to happen. Another one of the symbolisms in A Farewell to Arms is when Henry tries to escape from the Italian army by jumping off one of the ships the army was traveling on and running away from the army. This symbolism was the water that he jumped into was a symbolism of the new, clean life that he was going to live from now on. At this time, Henry goes off and finds his wife to be. The plot in A Farewell to Arms was always active. They were never staying in one place too long. It had a very good story line, which was a love story that ended up in a tragedy. The main characters wife got pregnant and she was off to have her baby when problems started occurring. They had to have a caesarean, and the baby dies, and when the mother of the child starts to hemorrhage Henry knows that it was over for his wife and he was right. From the beginning of the book until the end, the action was up. Ever since the front page Henry was traveling around to different towns so it was not boring for the reader. That made it very interesting for the reader because it was always a new town coming up so they were being introduced in the new characters quite often. As the story goes on, the reader is not introducing as many new people, but they are still traveling around quite a bit. Hemingway has a way with arranging the plots of all his stories. They all have that right timing to them. He always introduces only people that will affect the story, he does not introduce someone who will be in the scene for five minutes and then leave. I felt that the authors planning on putting this noveltogether was very good. Ernest Hemingway has always been one of the worlds best known classic writers. His style and technique of symbolism is much different than others. He uses then in very strong ways that you the reader does not always pick up. I am sure that I missed some of the symbolism that went on in the book. I picked up a few though and they were very interesting. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in a love story that does not get too intimate

Is new technology a need with a higher expense or a want in simplicity Research Paper

Is new technology a need with a higher expense or a want in simplicity in aviation - Research Paper Example Global passenger traffic has risen from about 1.7 billion in the year 2000 to about 3 billion in 2012 with only two dips in the trend happening in the year 2011 due to the 9/11 attack, economic downturn, and the SARS Epidemic, and also in the year 2010 caused by the financial crises and global recession (International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) (as cited in Beynon). The reasonable response of airline companies with the greater influx of passengers is to add new planes to its fleet. A report by the Airline Monitor (2012) compiled the total air craft deliveries per year by Boeing and Airbus, two of the largest aircraft manufacturer (as cited in Beynon). The report shows that there will be a total of 1,300 new aircrafts delivered by the end of 2013 and as much as 1,600 additional aircrafts by 2019. The cost of procuring an A350 (Airbus) is about $320 million while a B777 (Boeing) costs about $315 million. (Rothman and Walid and AircraftCompare.com) It is evident from these statistics that a huge chunk of the tax payers’ money are channeled to the improvement of aircrafts used by our armed forces and there’s also a lot of money being poured out into the commercial airline business. However, we are just recovering from the effects of the Global recession and the financial crises that’s why we need to take in perspective the amount of money that we spend as well as the government spends on buying and improving our aircrafts. Two of the changes that aircraft manufacturers infuse in their new fleets are better fuel efficiency and replacement of gauges in the cockpit with Multifunction Electronic Display Systems (MEDS). The MEDS are essentially cathode-ray tube (CRT), active-matrix liquid-crystal display (AMLCD) (tannas.com) or LED monitors that display the information once seen from the different gauges in the cockpit. Better fuel consumption is highly beneficial for cost reduction and less ening the impact of flight to the environment however, there is a question on why we need to upgrade the gauges to panels and monitors when the mechanical gauges works just fine? Is this upgrade a necessity that we are willing to pay high prices for or just a whim to make things simpler in aviation? I. The Need for Electronic Flight Displays The â€Å"glass cockpit† as NASA names it is a new configuration in the airplane and space shuttle cockpit design using CRT, LCD, or LED screens in place of the old electromechanical displays, gauges and instruments that have worked for so long in the aviation industry. Instead of having multiple knobs, buttons, switches, indicators, gauges and symbols that cluttered the cockpit, the screens now display all the relevant information for the pilot to safely take-off, fly and land the plane (NASA, 2000). Lane Wallace, a correspondent of the â€Å"Airborn Trailblazer† said that before the 70s there really was no need for computerized e lectronic flight displays; however, with the increasing complexity of aircrafts, the improvement of digital systems and ballooning air traffic prompted the need for displays that could process raw in-flight and aircraft-systems data and integrate is so as the displayed information contains the position, situation and progress of the aircraft within the three dimensions and with regards to speed and time. (NASA) The developers of this technology say that cockpits that are fitted with these displays

Envisioning America & What Caused the Pueblo Revolt Essay - 8

Envisioning America & What Caused the Pueblo Revolt - Essay Example I myself have been witness to some of those distressing racial atrocities and have seen murderous intent of few white who had applied Jim Crow Rules against the blacks. I still feel ashamed of the stunted mentality of those people who reveled in the killings of another human being! America was discovered by Spanish explorer, Columbus in the 16th century, who had developed good relations with the native Indian population. But the early 17th century saw the process of colonization by the British settlers who had brought shipload of African slaves as bonded labors to work on plantation and elsewhere. Jamestown in Virginia became the first place for British settlement followed by colonies in Massachusetts and eastern seaboard in the later part of the century. They also tried to exploit the Native Americans with respect to labor and sea faring activities. The indentured labor consisting of European workers, worked as bonded laborers who were freed after several years so as to pay-off their passage to a new country. The slaves worked in labor intensive tobacco plantations along with Native Americans who later refused to work because they were afflicted with diseased like tuberculosis etc. which were brought by the settlers. Turn of the century saw the raced based slavery becoming a full fledged tradition with Africans and non whites becoming slaves for life. Control over the blacks became the main concern of the white because of the rebellion from the natives. The British Crown delegated the power to the companies who administered in their behalf with rules and regulations. The natives, on the other hand, did not believe in subjugation and rebelled against any revenue imposed by the settlers. I had a fat black lady as my governess who was not only very loving and funny but she was also ferociously protective of me. I remember that once when my parents had to leave in emergency, my Joan, my governess took me to her place for

Article in Africa Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

In Africa - Article Example e, director for African Humans Rights Watch, insists The government, and the industries and farmers themselves, need to do a lot more to protect people who live and work on farms. The workers undoubtedly have to deal with plague-like conditions in which pesticides are exposed, lack of accesses to toilets is hindered, drinking water is not available, and to efforts are conducted to protect the workers through a union. In addition, he worked with closely with another association that produced a report known as â€Å"Ripe with Abuse: Human Rights Conditions in South Africa’s Fruit and Wine Industries.† Undeniably, the farm workers have no say on regulations but continue to suffer drastically. No evidence has been found to document any actions that is taken by the government to protect these workers. Although South Africa has laws that guarantee wages, benefits, and housing conditions; one cannot refute the fact that these big companies continue to push these workers into m isery. The majority of the current and former farm workers interviewed about these conditions said they had been exposed to pesticides without adequate safety equipment. When farm workers are inflicted with sickness, they are not granted any sick days unless they present a medical certificate. Clearly, the government needs to address this issue in order to elevate living

Bullwhip effect in supplychain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Bullwhip effect in supplychain - Essay Example In order to identify the causes of the bullwhip effect and to determine what measures may be adopted to tame the bullwhip effect we conduct an analysis of secondary data found in the literature. By conducting this study we can utilize a two-phase supply chain model and determine that synergy and trust are necessary for coordinated forecasting, consistent lead times and adequate information for appropriately estimating demand variance and thus taming the bullwhip effect. CHAPTER-1 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1. Defining the Bullwhip Effect In companies where demand appears to be capable of accurate prediction, companies may nevertheless incur considerable costs attempting to ensure that production is consistent with demand (Fisher, Hammond, Obermeyer & Raman, 1997). These costs are incurred for ensuring efficient supply chain management. The consequences of inefficient supply chain management are typically referred to as the bullwhip effect (Croson & Dohohue, 2005). A primary contributing fa ctor to inefficient supply chain management has been called the bullwhip effect (Lee, Padmanabhan & Whang, 1997). According to Lee, Padmanabhan and Whang (2004) the bullwhip effect occurs when â€Å"demand variability† amplifies in an â€Å"upstream† direction within the supply chain (p. 1887). ... The term â€Å"bullwhip effect† was initially used by the management of Proctor & Gamble upon observing enhanced distorted information relative to orders as the information went â€Å"up the supply chain† (Buchmeister, Pavlinjek, Palcic & Polajnar, 2008, p. 46). Proctor & Gamble evaluated patterns of orders for their most profitable product: Pampers. Sales recorded at retail outlets indicated fluctuations. Upon a closer examination, Proctor and Gamble noticed that orders made by distributors had a surprising level of variability. Orders to suppliers demonstrated even larger levels of variabilities. Although the consumers who were infants used Pampers steadily, â€Å"variabilities† in â€Å"demand orders† escalated in an upward trajectory in the supply chain (Lee et. al, 1997, p. 93). Essentially, the phrase, the bullwhip effect generally refers to inefficient management in the supply chain which causes increases in demand variations as information travels in an upward direction in the supply chain. According to Dolgui and Proth (2010), when demand information is distorted while moving up the supply chain, there are usually three observable effects: â€Å"oscillation, amplification and phase-lag† (p. 119). In this regard, oscillation occurs when demand is unstable. Amplification refers to increases in demand variability upstream in the context of the supply chain. Phase-lag occurs when orders reach a peak farther upstream in the context of the supply chain (Dolgui & Proth, 2010). The bullwhip effect will therefore occur in instances where communication within the supply chain is either distorted or late. Wu and Katok (2006) inform that even where supply chain personnel are highly trained and

Ethics Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics Case - Essay Example Since I discovered his cover-up three years down the line after the original STS occurred, the only solution would be to request for review of all the six OSHA recordable events to authenticate whether they were real tests. This could be achieved by following up the issue by inquiring from the doctor who carried out the audiometric tests.After confirming that they were real results that Frank received from the hearing van’s audiometric clinical examinations, I would record all the six losses as OSHA recordable hearing cases. The next thing would be to report the issue to the top-management with recommendations as well as possible solutions. Among the recommendations would be requesting the company to summon the six individuals by asking them participate in fresh hearing tests. Private or company doctors could perform an unbiased test to determine work-relatedness of their hearing losses.Performing these tests would show that Frank’s actions were inappropriate, unethical and inconsistent with the company’s regulations regarding hearing threshold shifts. Even though Frank was certain that the hearing losses of his friends were not work related, they were never tested by audiologists to clear the doubt. Whichever the case, it was necessary that Frank records the hearing loss cases because they met OSHA recordable threshold shifts. The company would not have achieved its injury target if the tests would be confirmed to be work related. Frank would be punished for failing to record the results.

A musical score of Citizen Kane utilizing Gorbman methodology Essay

A musical score of Citizen Kane utilizing Gorbman methodology - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Ð µhe notion that music in films usually has powerful effects on its viewers in indisputable. However, the careful examination of the reason behind the effects is greatly ignored. People tend to correlate previously unassociated pieces of drama to what is heard in a film music. Basically, any kind of music played in a film has to have a purpose. Every spontaneous melody or pre-composed piece is a potential option for a cinematic soundtrack (Patrik 45). One has to ask how and why people are so interested in combining drama and music in a film. While it is evident that the full emotional effect of a movie scene is carried through the successful interpretation of audio and visual information, the music in the movie still carries a significant effect for the interpretation of the director’s intent and style. The objective of this paper is to provide an analysis of the musical score of the movie Citizen Kane by utilizing Gorman and Kassabian methodologies.

Ethics Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics Case - Essay Example Since I discovered his cover-up three years down the line after the original STS occurred, the only solution would be to request for review of all the six OSHA recordable events to authenticate whether they were real tests. This could be achieved by following up the issue by inquiring from the doctor who carried out the audiometric tests.After confirming that they were real results that Frank received from the hearing van’s audiometric clinical examinations, I would record all the six losses as OSHA recordable hearing cases. The next thing would be to report the issue to the top-management with recommendations as well as possible solutions. Among the recommendations would be requesting the company to summon the six individuals by asking them participate in fresh hearing tests. Private or company doctors could perform an unbiased test to determine work-relatedness of their hearing losses.Performing these tests would show that Frank’s actions were inappropriate, unethical and inconsistent with the company’s regulations regarding hearing threshold shifts. Even though Frank was certain that the hearing losses of his friends were not work related, they were never tested by audiologists to clear the doubt. Whichever the case, it was necessary that Frank records the hearing loss cases because they met OSHA recordable threshold shifts. The company would not have achieved its injury target if the tests would be confirmed to be work related. Frank would be punished for failing to record the results.

Difference Between Backing Up and Archiving of Data Essay Example for Free

Difference Between Backing Up and Archiving of Data Essay Explain the difference between backing up and archiving of data, state the process taken for both and give reasons why they are necessary. It is important to know the basic differences between backup and archiving information, in order to prevent loss of important files on a computer. There is a big difference between the two and it comes down to variables between short term and long term storage. Backing up important data files on a computer should be done often, sometimes once a day or more. Thinking of it like a short term insurance policy, backups can be done using USG keys, disks, even to tape. Sometimes this information is overwritten each time it is saved, as new tiles are being added. Backups are primarily used for operational recovery, to quickly recover an overwritten file or corrupted database. The focus is on speed, both to back up and recover, and on data integrity. Archives, on the other hand, typically store a version of a file that no longer changing, or should not be changing. For example, an accountant for a small business that uses QuickBooks will back up his files regularly in order to prevent a disastrous loss of inform. He will entrust that information to an online backup system that is updated at the end of each business day. This way, if a problem occurs with the individual computer or network, then there is a way to resurrect the book without having to enter a month of work. Archiving, on the other hand, is the equivalent of a long term insurance policy for files that are rarely accessed or never changed. This type of storage creates a history of the files in an authentic form that can be accessed weeks from now or years from now. The storage media for archiving requires that it have a long, stable life. If the owner of the company died tomorrow, where would you begin to look for important documents? Or what if an audit of 2003 came up? Creating an archive is essential to traching down vital information to a company or individual. Typically, archives have been stored on magnetic tapes in the past, but with cost of online data archiving solutions becoming more practical and inexpensive, you will see more use of them. Offsite data archiving is highly recommended in the even t of a disaster. Another way of looking at the differences is that backup contains multiple restore points, allowing you to go back in time in case of a virus, accidental deletion or accidentally saving over a file. Archived information will only store a singly version of a file and this is rarely changing, if ever at all. Often archived data will also span decades of files. Archiving may require certain policies or rules that approve who have access, how long the records need to be stored etc.

Negligence and duty of care

Negligence and duty of care Duty of care. Duty of care is the first element of negligence and therefore, in order to discuss further on duty of care, one would have to first define the tort of negligence. In Blyth v Birmingham Waterworks Co,[1] the courts defined negligence as an omission of something which a reasonable man would do and the doing of an act which a reasonable man would not do. In Heaven v Pender,[2] the courts held that the presumption of duty of care arises when one person is placed in a position with regard to another person or property, it is in ordinary sense that if he does not use reasonable ordinary care in his conducts, he would cause danger or injury towards the other person or property. Therefore, ordinary care is required to prevent the occurrence of such danger. In Stovin v Wise,[3] the courts explained that generally there is no duty to rescue a stranger from danger. The duty mentioned above is regarding duty that is imposed by law or in other words, it is a legal duty. Test to determine the standard of duty of care. There are a few test that is used in determining the existence of duty of care. The primary test is the neighbour principle established in the well-known case of Donoghue v Stevenson.[4] In this case, Lord Atkin laid down that the rule that you are required to love your neighbours becomes a law by itself and it requires one to take a reasonable care to prevent any acts or omissions that can be reasonably foreseen to be likely to cause injury to your neighbour. The question posed to this principle is regarding who is one’s neighbour in law. The courts held that neighbour in law is someone who is directly affected by one’s act or omission. It is a reasonable man’s test whereby the courts would have to determine whether a reasonable man would foresee that his conduct would affect the plaintiff adversely. If the answer to this hypothetical question is yes, then the plaintiff is considered to be his neighbour and he owes a duty of care to the neighbour.[5] It is essential to note here that the neighbour principle requires the defendant to be a foreseeable victim and thus, in order for the defendant to be a foreseeable victim, there has to be a close proximity. Therefore, the neighbour principle requires the plaintiff to be of a close proximity with the defendant. The plaintiff would not be a foreseeable victim if there is no proximity between the plaintiff and defendant. In the case of Home Office v Dorset Yacht Co Ltd,[6] the courts held that the principle laid down in Donoghue v Stevenson should be regarded as a milestone in determining whether there exist a duty of care. This principle significantly assist the development of the law of negligence. Prior to the case of Donoghue v Stevenson, there was vagueness in the law regarding civil liability for carelessness.[7] In an 1889 textbook, there was a list containing fifty-six various duties of care.[8] Therefore, the judgment in Donoghue v Stevenson brought an end to the chaotic situation and had introduced the law of negligence as a separate civil wrong. The next test used by the courts to determine whether duty of care is established is the Anns test laid down by the courts in Anns v Merton London Borough Council.[9] This is a two-stage approach laid down by Lord Wilberforce whereby the first is to determine whether there is a relationship of proximity between the alleged tortfeasor and the person who had suffered the loss. If it foreseeable that the carelessness of the tortfeasor would lead the other party to suffer damage, then a duty of care would on prima facie be established. The second stage of this test requires the court to take into account any considerations that may negate the said duty or to reduce and limit the scope or group of persons that the duty will be imposed upon. This two-stage approach in essence is to determine whether it is reasonable to foresee that the defendant’s act or omissions will cause any damage to the plaintiff. If it is reasonable to foresee that the defendant’s act would cause harm to the plaintiff, then there exist a presumption of duty of care.[10] This test receive heavy criticism in Governors of the Peabody Donation Fund v Sir Lindsay Parkinson Co Ltd.[11] The courts in this case held that the neighbour principle laid down by Lord Atkin should be proved before the duty of care is presumed to exist but the scope of the duty depends on the facts of the case. The courts should consider whether the duty of care imposed on the defendant is just and reasonable. In Curran v Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association Ltd,[12] the learned judge, Lord Keith, held that the Anns test has been given more importance than it should have been given and held that the test need not be applicable in future cases in establishing the duty of care. The third test used in determining the duty of care is the Caparo test which is derived from Caparo Industries plc v Dickman.[13] In this case, there were three factors that is needed to be fulfilled to establish duty of care. The first is the courts must determine whether the damage caused is reasonably foreseen, the second is whether there is any policy to negate the duty of care and the third is whether it is just and reasonable. If this requirements are fulfilled, then duty of care is established.[14] It is important to note here that all three elements under the Caparo test needs to be fulfilled in order for duty of care to be established. Development in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the courts have used all of the above test. However, the test that is currently used by the courts is the three stage test which is the Caparo test. This can be seen in the case of Majlis Perbandaraan Ampang Jaya v Stephen Phoa Cheng Loon Ors.[15] In this case, the Federal Court had referred to the Caparo’s case do determine whether duty of care exist. The issue that arises in this principle is whether this principle only applies to economic loss or it may extend to all situations. The courts used the foreseeability test and held that this test applies to all situation. The courts only had to determine whether the duty of care which is imposed upon the defendant is just and reasonable. The courts went on stating that it would be rare for the outcome of the test to be not just and reasonable. This test is used in a more recent Malaysian case which is Projek Lebuh Raya Utara-Selatan Sdn Bhd v Kim Seng Enterprise (Kedah) Sdn Bhd.[16] In this case, the courts reiterated that the standard of care to determine negligence is that of the reasonable man and it is an objective test. Another recent case is the case of Jordan Saw Yu Huan v Low Suan Chuan Ors.[17] In this case, the high court applied the Caparo’s test and the courts were of the view that it was just and reasonable to impose such duty of care upon the defendants and held that the defendants in this case had breached such duty of care. Therefore, it is clear that the recent development in Malaysia regarding the standard of care required to establish duty of care is more inclined towards the three-stage approach which is commonly known as the Caparo’s test. The courts in Malaysia had followed the Caparo’s test because this test requires that the damage caused to the plaintiff to be reasonably foreseen by the defendant. The defendant would not owe a duty of care if he cannot reasonably foresee the damage. Therefore, this test more straight forward as compared to the other test laid down earlier. [1](1856) 11 Ex 781 at 784. [2](1883) 11 QBD 503 at 507. [3][1996] AC 923 at 930-931. [4][1932] AC 562 at 580 (HL). [5]Norchaya Talib, Law of Torts in Malaysia (3rd edn, Sweet Maxwell Asia 2011) 98. [6][1970] AC 1027. [7]Dato Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, ‘JUDICIAL ACTIVISM — THE WAY TO GO?’ [2012] 6 MLJ xvii. [8]Thomas Beven, ‘Principles of the law of negligence’ (1889). [9][1978] AC 728. [10]Norchaya Talib, Law of Torts in Malaysia (3rd edn, Sweet Maxwell Asia 2011) 100. [11][1984] 3 All ER 529 (HL). [12][1987] 2 All ER 13, 710. [13][1990] 1 All ER 568 (HL). [14]Norchaya Talib, Law of Torts in Malaysia (3rd edn, Sweet Maxwell Asia 2011) 106. [15][2006] 2 MLJ 389 (FC). [16][2013] 5 MLJ 360 (CA). [17][2013] 4 MLJ 137.

Illegal war in Kosovo :: essays papers

Illegal war in Kosovo President Clinton addressed the people of the United States on June 10, 1999 over the United States’ mission in Kosovo. Kosovo is a province of Serbia, which makes this war a civil war. Highlights of his speech outline the goals that he wanted to obtain in this Humanitarian intervention, as he called it. The mission had flaws innate to it from the beginning. The three-tiered goal of the President was clearly stated. The first is to allow the Kosovar people back into their homes. The second is to require Serbian forces to leave Kosovo. The last thing was to deploy an international security force, with NATO at its core, to protect all the people that troubled the land, Serbians and Albanians alike. The message was clear, but was not followed in regards to international law, and NATO’s Charter, and even the three clearly stated missions. The involvement in Kosovo’s war is illegal, and the President of the United States has pushed NATO into committing wartime cri mes and has used the Powers-of-Office in an unconstitutional manner, which resulted in the illegal intervention of a sovereign state. On March 24, 1999, the united countries of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, under pressure from the United States, launched an illegal assault upon a sovereign nation. The evidence is overwhelming that leaders within the United State government sponsored this decision with the extreme perseverance from President of the United States. NATO should have dismissed the request for assault and involvement for it was clearly illegal. It’s perpetrators showed total disregard for Article One of the NATO Charter, which incorporates by reference the United Nations Charter, Chapter One, Article Two, Sections Three, Four and Seven. These sections make it clear that NATO’s role is to be purely defensive. The aggression that NATO has undertaken did not come from or with approval of the UN Security Council, which NATO’s Charter clearly states numerous times that the UN Security Council will convene and approve of any such matter or action. It is a brutal violation of NA TO’s Charter and of all principles of international law. NATO used military weapons and tactics that run counter to the demands of decency and the nature of a moral people. Cluster bombs are outright illegal. Geneva Convention has concluded the use of cluster bombs and anti-tank and anti-personnel mines as illegal munitions.

The Mind and Body Connection in Psychology :: essays research papers

When we think of the mind and the body psychologist and historians have provided theories that correlate these two ideas and their functions that make us humans. Without the mind our body cannot fulfill its purposes and without the body our mind is left useless. These two branches influence each other and can cause different chains of reaction to erupt in our mental world [mind] and our physical world [body]. There are relationships between what we experience, (such as thoughts and feelings) and what our biological processes are (such as activity in the nervous system), (Morris, 2005). The link between the mind-body is that they are not separate entities, rather they are intricately connected, interacting with each other to function properly. The five basic issues that psychologist have associated the mind-body with are biological psych (dealing with the nervous system and its function), sensation/perception, consciousness, motivation/emotion, and clinical psych (dealing with disor ders/therapy). These five issues are an uprising principle that relates how the mind-body interacts. In biological psychology we discuss the scientific study of mental processes and behavior, coinciding with the performance of some cognitive activity. In sensation and perception, ?sensation refers to the process of sensing our environment through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. This information is sent to our brains in raw form where perception comes into play. Perception is the way we interpret these sensations and therefore make sense of everything around us.? In terms of consciousness we associate that with the state of being awake and aware of what?s going on around you. This is also a quality of the mind which attributes to our attentiveness. When dealing with motivation and emotion, psychologist has defined motivation as the initiation, direction, intensity and persistence of behavior, which has a temporal and dynamic state non-related to one?s personality or behavior. Emotion is w hat is described as ?an intense mental state that arises autonomically in the nervous system rather than through conscious effort.? It can evoke a negative or positive response which will correlate in the way we behave. Clinical psychology deals with researching and treating psychological distress, dysfunction or disorder. Psychologists who are focused in this field treat more severe disorders, such as phobias, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. (Rishel, 2000) The nervous system is our ?body's information gatherer, storage center and control system.? It collects information about the external conditions in relation to the body's internal state, to analyze this information, and to initiate appropriate responses to satisfy certain needs (Maintain Homeostasis).