Museum and media studies at wildwalk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Museum and media studies at wildwalk - Essay Example The strings that hold us all together are many - and more than that, they are common threads that date back to centuries and generations long gone. I would like to assert that there is a great deal of importance attached to the study and preserving of our history and roots.While the subjects are vast, the elements of such studies form a large platform for determining the socio cultural and geographical implications of recorded history and work in the same context. In this regard, museums are more than just buildings that house pieces for children to enjoy on a field trip. This thought was accentuated during a recent visit I paid to the Wildwalk based in the centre of Bristol. As far as the conception of museums and their aims go, they work to reproduce ideologies in order to lend credibility and authenticity to the existing order of things. Also, museums have been seen as instruments of social reform, which shows a variety of pattern. The first is that the objects in museums can exceed their designated roles as documents or specimens by revolving around the strategic placement to make them give out a certain message in terms of sounds and images. This conforms to the notion of the Wildwalk adopting a certain standard of media culture. The primary role here is to correlate people and material things, so that the museum becomes an important site for the development of new forms of experience, memory and knowledge. In this case, it has adopted an approach that is an amalgamation of the naturalism and simulation theories. In case of naturalism, it has been found that the heritage industry gained a boost when Thatcher's time saw the commemoration of Britain's past when its industrial sector faced a decline in the 1970s. In order to keep the tourist inflow steady, there was a new interpretation of the past heritage and glory in terms of commoditization of a museum and its objects which have helped remove conflict within communities that have lost out on this heritage. (Bird et al, 1993) So far media culture was represented only in fields like film, music and television. But during the latter half of the twentieth century, this concept began to make its foray into various aspects that adhered to the public sphere. Museums now place special emphasis on the conept of media culture owing to the fact that it provides a strong conetxt for the study and presentation of facts pertaining to various material and socil behaviour. In this way, media in museum studies provides an impetus to link cultures and origins. This a point of interest for scholars and visitors alike owing to the fact that the use of media for learning and experiencing something new has been proven as an effective tool. (Piror, 2006) This demonstrates the fact that museums can be theorized as a form of media. To take the case of both historical and contemporary examples, one would have to admit that these examples are clear in international instances as well. Take for example, the play of curiosity and the related use of media to satisfy the same through the avant-garde exhibition design of Lissitzy and Bayer. Also, the use of media has seen the age of experimental museums that have been ushered in by the likes of Paul Otlet and Otto Neurath. Further, science centres hold their own in terms of immersive and virtual museums with major developments such as Guggenheim Bilbao, Tate Modern in London and the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. (Piror, 2006) Based in nuances of iconography, the media aspect of Wildwalk is replete in the fact that it is a rainforest crammed with all kinds of live animals, plants and multimedia exhibits, which are waiting to be experienced. We use the word experience because here, one is in close contact with the nuances of the the awe inspiring diversity of the natural world in its spelndor. With an impetus to place facts and information in one's knowledge base through the use of creativity in media

An Analysis on the Design Phase of Euro Shuttle Wagons Project Essay

An Analysis on the Design Phase of Euro Shuttle Wagons Project - Essay Example Euro tunnel shuttle service is a shuttle transport service that expresses street vehicle by rail through the channel tunnel. The wagons used for the shuttle have a large loading capacity.The Tunnel project usually has a very tight timescale and heavy liquidated damages (LDs) linked with delays and so this one. Eurotunnel’s success rate is dependent on the timeframe of the tunnel being finished and ready to start its operations in particular season, otherwise, interest payments would start to devastate the profit of the project.There are many aspects of design, construction and operation of the Euro Channel Tunnel Wagons project that needs approval from the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), a body of British and French civil servants. The main focus of project manager during development phase of the project is and should be on safety, defence, security and environmental issues, as IGC takes these issues as criteria to evaluate the performance of channel tunnel project.The saf ety clause was not clearly defined at the start of the project and was later gradually defined; this was not only because of the unfamiliarity of tunnel channel to safety regulators but also because of the allegation of events such as the UK Kings Cross Fire in November 1987. Due to lack of safety, changes are required to meet IGC considerations and the effect of those changes was not only delays but it also had impacted on other related elements of the project and characteristics of the product, and on the image of TML.

Effect of Solanezumab on Alzheimer’s Disease

Effect of Solanezumab on Alzheimer’s Disease Solanezumab Introduction Alzheimer’s disease is chronic neurodegenerative disease which has a slow development which worsens over a period of time (Alzheimers Disease 2009). This disease is commonly linked with the overabundance of aggregated amyloid-beta (AÃŽ ²) peptide within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (Doody et al. 2014). Solanezumab an Alzheimer’s drug is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody which is used against the mid-domain of the AÃŽ ² peptide (Alzforum.org 2015). This paper will cover aspects of this drug such as its development, chemical structure and mechanism of action and looking at issues the drug had during its development, regulatory approval and its post market surveillance. Development The development of this type of antibody is different from other monoclonal antibodies which are being tested currently. Comparing it to that of another drug called bapineuzumab, which binds to the N-terminal, Solanezumab was created to bind to the soluble AÃŽ ² peptide because it was predicted to it being far more effective than binding to the N-terminal portion of a molecule (Imbimbo et al. 2012). In the In Vitro studies which were undertaken for this drug, the parent’s antibody m266 which binds to the AÃŽ ² had been tested in a dialysis system involving the antibody solution in the bottom chamber which was divided by a dialysis membrane from the top chamber which had the human CSF. It was seen that a great amount of CSF AÃŽ ² was sequestered when the bottom chamber had PBS plus m266 at 48.91% as compared to PBS with a nonspecific mouse IgG being at 2.18% (Imbimbo et al. 2012). The result demonstrated in relation to AÃŽ ² binding that m266 was not able to bind to AÃŽ ² depos ited in parenchyma and cerebral vessels (Imbimbo et al. 2012 cited from [49]). Class of drug and Mechanism of action Solanezumab as defined by the WHO’s International Nonproprietary Names for Pharmaceutical Substances (INN) is an neuroprotectant (WHO 2007). Neuroprotection as dictated by Rafi and Aisen (2009) is the mechanism by which neurons are protected from degeneration; their use can be seen in patients who have suffered recent ischemic injury or a result from neurodegenerative diseases. It is seen that solanezumab’s mechanism of action is different to that of other passive immunotherapies. This is due to it targeting the central domain of AÃŽ ² peptide, which has been proposed as more effective in clearing N-terminal truncated or modified forms of AÃŽ ² peptide (Siemers et al. 2010). This has separated this drug from others such as bapinezumab which targets the N-terminal of the molecule exclusively (Samadi and Sultzer 2011). In the murine model, the M266 antibodies are seen to enter the cerebral spinal fluid at a concentration of 0.1% compared that that of in plasma, as with patients with AD, a single injection intravenously of the dose of .5, 1.5, 4 and 10 mg/kg resulted in the maximum plasma concentration for solanezumab (Bruno P Imbimbo, et al. 2012). Furthermore the mean total half-life of the drug was found to be 334 hours (14 days) after an injection of .5mg and 631 to 709 hours (26 to 30 days) when injected with 1.5, 4, or 10 mg which indicated that the lowest dose half-life compared to that of the high doses was most likely due to the drug concentrations falling below quantification limits, thus possibly preventing complete characterization of the terminal elimination phase for the dose given (Imbimbo et al. 2012 cited from Siemers et al. 2010). Chemical Structure Solanezumab is a humanized IgG1 derivative of the m266 AÃŽ ² monoclonal antibody of a mouse in which binds to the central region of the human AÃŽ ² peptide (Stefan DÃ ¼bel 2014). This antibody was produced inside A/J mice using a synthetic AÃŽ ² peptide conjugated with an anti –CD3 immunoglobin (Bruno P Imbimbo, et al. 2012). (Expand a bit more here) Identifying issues during drug development, regulatory approval or post marketing surveillances Currently 9 studies have carried out concerning the Solanezumab drug, 5 of which have been completed and the other 4 which are recruiting or currently active in their research (ClinicalTrials.gov 2015). The most well regarded and referenced is the Phase 3 Trials which were carried out by Eli Lilly in 2014 which looked at using Solanezumab for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. In in murine model of the preclinical trials for the drug were tested for their safety and effectiveness. It was seen that the mice treated with the murine version of solanezumab called m266.2 were at risk to develop cerebral microhemorrhaging as compared to mice treated with 3D6 which the bapinezumab model for mice (Samadi, seltzer 2011 cited from [50]). The reasoning for this result was predicted to be that of the different binding paths of the drugs where solanezumab binds to the AÃŽ ² peptide exclusively as bapinezumab binds to both AÃŽ ² plaque and the n-terminal of the AÃŽ ² peptide (Samadi, seltzer 2011 cited from [43]). Phase I studies showed that when 19 test subjects were subjected to a single dose of solanezumab containing either .5,1.5,4.0 or 10 mg/kg that serious adverse side effects occurred in 4 , 1 in which had a placebo (add in results for this phase 1)( Samadi , Sultzer 2011). The events that occurred was syncope, fatigue and vertigo occurring from the does size given, although it was noted that these effects were not fault of the drug given (Imbimbo et al. 2012 cited [55]). The results of the study had shown that there altogether no changes in the cognitive scores which would indicate that the drug did not provide any benefit. In the phase II study was conducted looking at the drug being given over a period of 12 weeks. The various issues that occurred in these studies was that 8 patients had suffered from serious adverse side effects from the drug, these included cardiac, neurological and even gastrointestinal issues (Farlow et al. 2012). The table Figure (1) gives a summary to the adverse events that occurred between the placebo and varying dosage groups of the patients receiving the drug. (expand) When looking at the cognitive measurements in the patients to assess their cognitive abilities, the results showed that between the drug and the placebo, no important differences were seen on the 11 item or 14 item scores. Table figure (3) demonstrates these results showing these differences. This table can then indicate that there was no suggestion that any significant clinical benefit occurred. The Phase III trials which involved 2 double blind trials which the patients were treated with either the drug or the placebo given periodically over a period of 18 months. The outcomes were measured using the 11 item and 14 items cognitive scores to which the previous phase studies had used. The results showed that for the baseline characteristics that there were no differences between the control and drug group but for the cognitive and clinical outcomes they The adverse events that occurred during this trial were that cardiac arrhythmia occurred in 5% of patients who received the drug and 3.7% in the placebo (Doody et al. 2014). As well as the cardiac issues, 33 deaths had occurred, 24 in which were in the group who received Solanezumab In the discussion section of the studies they mention that from both the studies that were undertaken, none of them had shown any benefit that Solanezumab and the current studies have failed to show treatment effects on the hippocampal , total brain volume or the amyloid accumulation (Doody et al. 2014). Doody et al. (2014) goes on to mention that although the study did not show the efficacy of the drug being tested that further studies into the drug will be required to assess the particular approach they’ve taken. It can be seen a major issue concerning all the studies which were carried out is the lack of efficacy. As can be seen for all the results for the phase studies that all of them showed no significant improvement when it was concerning the 11 item and 14 item scores for the patients. Conclusion Solanezumab has also proven to provide a poor efficacy for the patients in which has taken it. The phase studies in which have been reported demonstrate this result occurring which can give evidence toward this particular monoclonal antibody to be ineffective as slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. Although there was seen adverse side effects in the studies which may call for concern , it has been properly ruled out that the issues were not related to the drug as can be seen in the table results when comparing the control to the drug groups. To summarise solanezumab is not created the same as compared to other monoclonal antibodies, when discussing their binding site on the AÃŽ ² peptide, although this drug has proven to have a poor efficacy, it has shown that it causes minimal adverse side effects in comparison to other monoclonal antibodies currently being tested. If more study was to be taken place into altering the drug, in attempt to improve efficacy whilst minimising the adverse effects, it may come into market someday to help people. References Bruno P Imbimbo, Simone Ottonello, et al. Solanezumab for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimers disease. 2012. Stefan DÃ ¼bel, Janice M. Reichert. Handbook of Therapeutic Antibodies. John Wiley Sons, 2014. http://informahealthcare.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/doi/full/10.1517/14712598.2011.578573 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=solanezumabSearch=Search https://books.google.com.au/books?id=CiCOAwAAQBAJpg=PA336dq=solanezumabhl=ensa=Xei=fj5fVdixGMHbmAWRkYC4CAved=0CCwQ6AEwAw#v=onepageq=solanezumabf=false https://books.google.com.au/books?id=cTsTAAAAQBAJpg=PA165dq=solanezumabhl=ensa=Xei=fj5fVdixGMHbmAWRkYC4CAved=0CCcQ6AEwAg#v=onepageq=solanezumabf=false https://books.google.com.au/books?id=svHsBQAAQBAJpg=PA907dq=solanezumabhl=ensa=Xei=fj5fVdixGMHbmAWRkYC4CAved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepageq=solanezumabf=false http://www.alzforum.org/therapeutics/solanezumab

War on Drugs: Germany compared to the Netherlands Essay -- Drug Enforc

The War on Drugs One of the key aspects to consider when evaluating domestic political actors preferences towards policies pertaining to illegal drug use in both the Netherlands and Germany is to evaluate their ideological differences. The Netherlands attitude towards drug policy revolves around limiting the negative impacts illegal drug use has on society by implementing laws catered towards decriminalization. On the other hand, Germany considers drugs a detriment to society and promotes legislation that proactively restricts the flow of supply and demand of illegal drugs within the country. Now that both countries ideological differences have been brought to light, we must also consider the origins of those ideas and how they transcended into public policy. One of the significant driving forces behind the shaping of any policy are those political actors who reside in the country. The objective of any political actor is to influence public preference by sponsoring changes in policy. Just like the U nited States, both Germany and the Netherlands have organizations within their own country that promote policies to the public in an attempt to sway their opinion on an issue. The investigation of political actors in Germany and the Netherlands will allow one to obtain a greater understand of why their stance on illegal drug use is the way it is. German policies reflect a hard-line approach on drug enforcement. Non-governmental organizations such as the Jeunesse Anti Drogue promote, â€Å"Stiffer penalties for individuals charged with the sale of illegal drugs within the proximity of a school† (Jeuness Anti Drogue 2005). Many organizations similar to Jeunesse provide a supportive platform for parties such as the National Democratic Party... ..., we are able to better understand why policies differ from country to country. Works Cited 1. German Youth Against Drugs. 2005. Jeuness Anti Drogue.2005. (Accessed February 3, 2012). 2. Netherlands Drugs Policy Foundation. 2009. Stichting Drugsbeleid. (Accessed February 3, 2012). 3. Startseite Der Webseite. 2006. Des Verein Fà ¼r Drogenpolitik (Accessed February 3, 2012). 4. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2005. German Non-Governmental Organizations (Accessed February 3, 2012). 5. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2005. Netherlands Non-Governmental Organizations (Accessed February 3, 2012).

The Hunters: Moonsong Chapter Twenty

This is way worse than the obstacle course, thought Matt. And building a house out of newspaper. And the firewalk. This is definitely the worst pledge event yet. He twisted the toothbrush in his hand to real y get into the little niche running along the bottom of the paneling on the Vitale Society's pledge room wal s. The toothbrush came out black with ancient dirt and dangling cobwebs, and Matt grimaced in disgust. His back was already sore from hunching over. â€Å"How's it going, soldier?† Chloe asked, squatting down next to him, a dripping sponge in one hand. â€Å"Honestly, I'm not sure how scrubbing out this room is going to help us develop honor and leadership and al the stuff Ethan keeps talking about,† Matt said. â€Å"I think this might just be a way to save a couple of bucks on a cleaning service.† â€Å"Well, they say cleanliness is next to godliness,† she reminded him. Chloe laughed. He real y liked her laugh. It was sort of bubbly and silvery. Internal y, he gave himself a little eye rol . Bubbly and silvery. She had a nice laugh, was al he meant. They'd been spending a lot of time together since Christopher's death. Matt had felt like nothing could be as bad as living with al of Christopher's stuff when Christopher himself was gone, but then Chris's parents came and packed it up, gently patting Matt on the back as if he deserved some kind of sympathy when they had lost their only son. And with just empty space where Christopher's things had been, everything was a mil ion times worse. Meredith, Bonnie, and Elena had tried to comfort him. They wanted so badly for him to be okay again that he'd felt guilty he wasn't, making it harder for him to be around them. Chloe had taken to coming by the room, hanging out with him or getting him to come to the cafeteria or wherever with her, keeping him in touch with the world when he felt like locking himself away. There was something so easy about her. Elena, the only girl he'd ever loved – before now, part of him whispered – was much more work to be around. Inside, he flinched at his own disloyalty to Elena, but it was true. Now he was starting to wake up and take an interest in things again. And he kept noticing with fresh surprise the cute dimple Chloe had in her right cheek, or how shiny her curly dark hair was, or how graceful and pretty her hands were despite the fact that they were often stained with paint. So far, though, they were just friends. Maybe †¦ maybe it was time to change that. Chloe snapped her fingers in front of his face, and Matt realized he had been staring at her. â€Å"You al right, buddy?† she asked, a little frown wrinkling her forehead, and Matt had to restrain himself from kissing her right then. â€Å"Yeah, just spacing out,† he said, feeling a flush creep over his cheeks. He was smiling like a goof, he knew. â€Å"Want to help with these wal s?† â€Å"Sure, why not?† Chloe answered. â€Å"I'l soap down the wal part, and you keep doing whatever you're doing there with that little toothbrush.† They worked companionably together for a while, Chloe now and then accidental y-on-purpose dripping soapy water onto the top of Matt's head. As they worked further along the paneling, the niche under the baseboard got deeper, until it was not so much a niche as a gap. Matt slid the toothbrush underneath to scrub – man, but it got grimy down there – and felt something shift. â€Å"There's something under here,† he told Chloe, pressing his hand flat against the floor and working his fingers into the gap. He slid his hands and the toothbrush around, trying to shimmy whatever was down there toward them, but he couldn't quite get a grip on it. â€Å"Look,† said Chloe after a moment, â€Å"I think the paneling might slide up here.† She wiggled the section of wood until it gave a raucous screech and she was able to work it up. â€Å"Huh,† she said, puzzled. â€Å"Wow, it's like a secret compartment. Seems like it hasn't been opened for a while, though.† Once she managed to ease the paneling up, they could see the space behind it was smal , only a foot or so in height and width and a few inches deep. It was ful of cobwebs. Inside was something rectangular, wrapped in a cloth that had probably once been white but was now gray with dust. â€Å"It's a book,† Matt said, picking it up. The grime on the outside of the cloth was thick and soft and came away on his hands. Unwrapping it, he found the book inside was clean. â€Å"Wow,† Chloe said softly. It looked old, real y old. The cover was flaking dark leather, and the edges of the pages were rough as if they'd been hand cut instead of by a machine. Tilting the book a little, Matt could see the remains of gilt that must have once been the title, but it was worn away now. Matt opened it to the middle. Inside, it was handwritten, black ink inscribing neat strong strokes. And total y indecipherable. â€Å"I think it's Latin. Maybe?† said Matt. â€Å"Do you know Latin at al ?† Chloe shook her head. Matt flipped back to the first page, and one word popped out at him. Vitale. â€Å"Maybe it's a history of the Vitale Society,† Chloe said. â€Å"Or ancient secrets of the founders. Cool! We should give it to Ethan.† â€Å"Yeah, sure,† Matt said, distracted. He turned a few more pages, and the ink changed from black to a dark brown. It looks like dried blood, he thought, and shuddered, then pushed the image away. It was just some kind of old ink, faded brown with time. One word he recognized, written three – no, four – times on the page: Mort. That meant death, didn't it? Matt traced the word with his finger, frowning. Creepy. â€Å"I'l show it to Ethan,† Chloe said, jumping up and taking the book from him. She crossed the room and interrupted Ethan's conversation with another girl. From the other side of the room, Matt watched Ethan's face break into a slow smile as he took the book. After a few minutes, Chloe returned, grinning. â€Å"Ethan was real y excited,† she said. â€Å"He said he'l tel us al about it after he gets someone to translate the book.† Matt nodded. â€Å"That's terrific,† he said, pushing the last of his unease away. This was Chloe, lively, laughing Chloe, and he would try not to think about death or blood or anything morbid around her. â€Å"Hey,† he said, pushing away the dark thoughts, focusing on the golden highlights in her dark hair. â€Å"Are you going to the party at McAl ister House tonight?† Maybe not pulled back, Elena thought, looking critical y at herself in the mirror. She tugged the barrette out of her hair and let her golden locks tumble, sleek and flat-ironed, down around her shoulders. Much better. She looked good, she noted, running her eyes dispassionately over her reflection. Her strappy short black dress accentuated her rose-petal skin and pale hair, and her dark blue eyes seemed huge. Without Stefan, though, what did it matter how she looked? She watched her own mouth tighten in the mirror as she pushed the thought away. However much she missed the feeling of Stefan's hand in hers, his lips on hers, however much she wanted to be with him, it was impossible for now. She couldn't be Katherine. And her pride wouldn't let her just mope around, either. It's not forever, she told herself grimly. Bonnie came up and threw her arm around Elena's shoulders, regarding them both in the mirror. â€Å"We clean up nice, don't we?† she asked cheerful y. â€Å"Ready to go?† â€Å"You do look amazing,† Elena said, looking at Bonnie with affection. The shorter girl was practical y glowing with excitement – eyes sparkling, smile bright, cheeks flushed, mane of red hair flying out seemingly with a life of its own – and her short blue dress and strappy high-heeled shoes were adorable. Bonnie's smile got bigger. â€Å"Let's get going,† Meredith said, al business. She was sleek and practical in jeans and a soft fitted gray shirt that matched her eyes. It was hard to know what Meredith was thinking, but Elena had overheard her murmuring to Alaric on the phone late at night. She figured that Meredith, at heart, might not be into the party either. Outside, people walked quickly in large, silent groups, glancing around nervously as they went. No one lingered, no one was alone. Meredith stopped midstride and stiffened, suddenly aware of a potential threat. Elena fol owed her gaze. She was wrong: one person lingered alone. Damon was sitting on a bench outside their dorm, his face tipped toward the sky as if he was basking in the sun despite the darkness of the evening. â€Å"What do you want, Damon?† Meredith said, warily. Her voice wasn't actual y rude – they'd gotten past that, working together this summer – but it wasn't friendly, and Elena could feel her bristling beside her. â€Å"Elena, of course,† Damon said lazily, rising and smoothly taking Elena's arm. Bonnie looked back and forth between them, puzzled. â€Å"I thought you weren't going to spend time with either of them for a while,† she said to Elena. Damon spoke quietly into Elena's ear. â€Å"It's about the Vitale Society. I've got a lead.† Elena hesitated. She hadn't told her friends about the hints she and Damon had found that the Vitale Society might be more than a myth, or that they might be connected to her parents in some way. There wasn't real y anything much to go on yet, and she didn't feel quite ready to talk about the possibility that her parents might have been mixed up in some kind of dark secret or how she felt, seeing the images of them when they were young. Making up her mind, she turned to Meredith and Bonnie. â€Å"I've got to go with Damon for a minute. It's important. I'l explain it to you guys later. See you at the party in a little bit.† Meredith frowned but nodded, and she steered Bonnie toward McAl ister House. As they went, Elena could hear Bonnie saying, â€Å"But wasn't the whole point†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Keeping his hand tucked firmly under Elena's arm, Damon led her in the opposite direction. â€Å"Where are we going?† she asked, feeling too aware of the softness of Damon's skin and the strength of his grip. â€Å"I saw a girl wearing one of those pins from the photo,† Damon answered. â€Å"I fol owed her to the library, but once she got inside, she just disappeared. I looked everywhere for her. Then, an hour later, she came out the library doors again. Remember when I said we needed to look for answers somewhere other than the library?† He smiled. â€Å"I was wrong. There's something going on in there.† â€Å"Maybe you just didn't see her?† Elena wondered aloud. â€Å"It's a big library, she could have been tucked away in a study carrel or something.† â€Å"I would have found her,† Damon said briefly. â€Å"I'm good at finding people.† His teeth shone white for a moment under the streetlights. The problem was that the library was so normal. Once they were inside, Elena looked around at the gray-carpeted floors, the beige chairs, the rows and rows of bookshelves, the buzzing fluorescent lights. It was a place to study. It didn't look like any secrets were hidden here. â€Å"Upstairs?† she suggested. They took the stairs rather than the elevator and worked their way down from the top floor. Going from floor to floor, they found †¦ nothing. People reading and taking notes. Books, books, and more books. In the basement, there was a room of vending machines and smal tables for study breaks. Nothing unexpected. Elena paused in a hal way of administrative offices near the vending machine. â€Å"We're not going to find anything,† she told Damon. His face twisted in frustration, and she added, â€Å"I believe you that there's something going on here, I do, but without any leads, we don't even know what we're looking for yet.† The door behind her, marked Research Office, opened, and Matt came out. He looked tired, and Elena felt a quick flash of guilt. After Christopher's death, she and Meredith and Bonnie had meant to stick close to Matt. But he was always busy with footbal or class and didn't seem to want them around. She realized with a shock that she hadn't talked to him in days. â€Å"Oh, hey, Elena,† Matt said, looking startled. â€Å"Are you going to the party tonight?† He greeted Damon with an awkward nod. â€Å"Mutt,† Damon acknowledged, giving a half smile, and Matt rol ed his eyes. As they chatted about the party and classes and Bonnie's new semiboyfriend, Elena cataloged her impressions of Matt. Tired, yes – his eyes were a little bloodshot, and there was grimness to his lips that hadn't been there a few weeks ago. But why did he smel so strongly of soap? It wasn't like he was particularly clean, she thought, inspecting a grubby trail tracing down Matt's cheek to his neck. It looked like something had been dripped on his head. It was almost like he had been cleaning something. Something real y dirty. Struck by a new thought, she glanced at his chest. Surely he wouldn't be wearing one of the V pins? As if aware of what she was wondering, Matt pul ed his jacket more tightly around him. â€Å"What were you doing in that office?† she asked him abruptly. â€Å"Uh.† Matt's face was blank for half a second, and then he glanced up at the door, at the sign saying Research Office. â€Å"Research, of course,† he said. â€Å"I've got to go,† he added. â€Å"I'l catch you at the party later, okay, Elena?† He had half turned away, when Elena impulsively put out her hand to catch his arm. â€Å"Where have you been, Matt?† she asked. â€Å"I've hardly seen you lately.† Matt grinned, but he didn't quite meet her eyes. â€Å"Footbal ,† he said. â€Å"Col ege bal ‘s a big deal.† He gently pul ed away from her restraining hand. â€Å"Later, Elena. Damon.† They watched him walk away, and then Damon nodded toward the door Matt had come out of. â€Å"Shal we?† he said. â€Å"Shal we what?† Elena asked, puzzled. â€Å"Oh, like that wasn't suspicious,† Damon said. He put his hand on the knob, and Elena heard the lock snap as he forced it open. Inside was a very boring room. A desk, a chair, a smal rug on the floor. Maybe a little too boring? â€Å"A research office without books? Or even a computer?† Elena asked. Damon cocked his head to one side, considering, then, with a swift movement, pul ed aside the rug. Below it was the clear outline of a trapdoor. â€Å"Bingo,† Elena breathed. She stepped forward, already bending down to try and pry it open, but Damon pul ed her back. â€Å"Whoever is using this could stil be down there,† he said. â€Å"Matt just left, and I doubt he was alone.† Matt. Whatever was going on, Matt knew about it. â€Å"Maybe I should talk to him,† Elena said. Damon frowned. â€Å"Let's wait until we know what we're dealing with,† he said. â€Å"We don't know what Matt's involvement is. This could be dangerous for you.† He had taken hold of her arm again and was pul ing her gently, steadily out of the room. â€Å"We'l come back later.† Elena let him lead her away, grappling with what he'd said. Dangerous? she thought. Surely Matt wouldn't be doing anything that would be a danger to Elena?

Internet Makes Life Better Essay

Nowadays, with the development of the Internet, our life becomes more convenient than any time in the past. With the click of the mouse, you can find everything on the Internet including shopping, communication, entertainment, study, and so on. Do you know how many percent of people on the Earth have access into the Internet? – 21% In the United States, 74% of American adults use the Internet. 94% of students in the US are using the Internet. 60% of American adults use broadband connections at home.55% of American adults connect to the internet wirelessly, either through a WiFi or WiMax connection via their laptops or through a handheld device like a smart phone. Because of the Internet, we can do shopping without going to the store which is located far away. Online shopping is the process whereby consumers directly buy goods or services from a seller in real-time, without an intermediary service, over the Internet. It is a form of electronic commerce. We can talk with a people who are away 10,000 miles with high quality of voice and images. Brought us closer to people those are in another part of the world: video calls with Skype, Online support calls so I don’t have to drive 2 hours to a client site. Telephone: Voice over IP or VOIP Besides, we can find tons of information by one click on Google.com, Yahoo.com, and so on. Other conveniences of the Internet: Online banking. Driving Directions .We can work or study from anywhere in the world. In conclusion, I believe the Internet makes life better. I cannot live one day happily without Internet.

Introduction to Utility Maximization

Introduction to Utility Maximization As consumers, we make choices every day about what and how much to buy and use. In order to model how consumers make these decisions, economists (reasonably) assume that people make choices that maximize their levels of happiness (i.e. that people are economically rational). Economists even have their own word for happiness: utility: the amount of happiness gained from consuming a good or service This concept of economic utility has some specific properties that are important to keep in mind: sign matters: positive utility numbers (i.e. numbers greater than zero) indicate that consuming a good makes the consumer happier. Conversely, negative utility numbers (i.e. numbers less than zero) indicate that consuming a good makes the consumer less happy. bigger is better: The greater the utility number, the more happiness the consumer receives from consuming an item. (Note that this is consistent with the first point since large negative numbers are smaller, i.e. less than, small negative numbers.) ordinal but not cardinal properties: Utility numbers can be compared, but it doesnt necessarily make sense to perform calculations with them. In other words, while it is the case that a utility of 6 is better than a utility of 3, it is not necessarily the case that a utility of 6 is twice as good as a utility of 3. Similarly, its not necessarily the case that a utility of 2 and a utility of 3 would add to a utility of 5. Economists use this concept of utility to model consumers preferences since it stands to reason that consumers prefer items that give them higher levels of utility. The consumers decision regarding what to consume, therefore, boils down to answering the question What affordable combination of goods and services gives me the most happiness? In the utility maximization model, the affordable part of the question is represented by a budget constraint and the happiness part is represented by what are known as indifference curves. We will examine each of these in turn and then put them together to arrive at the consumers optimal consumption.

Exploratory Writing Addressing Writing Anxiety Essay Example

Exploratory Writing Addressing Writing Anxiety Essay Example Exploratory Writing Addressing Writing Anxiety Paper Exploratory Writing Addressing Writing Anxiety Paper Writing for some can be as easy as riding a bike, and for others, writing can cause great stress and anxiety. For me, it is challenging to address the anxieties I experience when tasked with writing. One aspect of writing that is challenging is the getting started. There’s an old saying, â€Å"the first steps is usually the hardest.†In my writing, I am discovering that becoming clear and focused on the task at hand is challenging. Formatting my ideas and structuring them on paper is quite unpleasant. My writing anxieties make my heart rush, my palms sweaty, and my head feels like it’s about to explode with all the thoughts going through my mind. I am discovering that with patience and practice, one does not have to feel this way when it comes to writing. It’s challenging for me to focus on who my audience is, and writing for them. Not understanding this important aspect of writing as caused me anxiety because as a result my messages have been misconstrued by others, and as a result, my writing suffers, and I find it a challenge is be clear in my intent. Throughout this course, I have learned various exploratory writing techniques that have been helpful tools that I use in order to become a more organized, clear, and less stressed out writer. One technique that I use is a double-entry journal. I use this technique to help format my ideas in a more clear, and concise way, this way I am able to provide evidence to support my belief. I did this by writing in one column the anxiety I was feeling about this assignment. Iasked why I felt that way? What has happened that makes me feel this way? As I discover my writing sound, I take more time and am more slow in my thoughts, and less judgemental, I allow my thoughts to come out more naturally. I take notes on my ideas as I pursue a deeper understanding of a topic, this helps me to have a clear direction to build on. I notice that the high level of anxiety I would suffer is not as cha

Curriculum Based Assessment (CBA) for Students

Curriculum Based Assessment (CBA) for Students Curriculum-Based Assessment (CBA) is any form of assessment based on the curriculum that a child is mastering. Most CBAs comes directly from the textbook, in the form of tests- often in the form of chapter tests. Other CBAs can be taken from online resources. This is especially true for online worksheet resources. The following are especially helpful. The Math Work Sheet Site The basic worksheet generator for this site is free, although it provides a variety of useful formats in its members section. You can choose to generate worksheets by the format (horizontal or vertical) the number of digits, whole numbers, the range of numbers use. It offers each of the basic operations, mixed problems, fractions, measurement, graphing and telling time. The worksheets have large numerals that are well spaced for the large digits made by most students in special education. Edhelper.com Edhelper is a member only site, although access is provided to some items. The reading selections are not well adapted for children with reading disabilities: the text is often too close together for these readers, and the content is not particularly well written. My preference is always Reading A-Z, another member only site with excellent reading resources.Edhelpers math resources are excellent, especially for functional math skills such as money counting, fractions, and telling time. It provides several ways to show evidence of competence in each skill area. Money Instructor Money Instructor has both paid and member-only options. Many of the free options provide realistic (color) money for counting. These are excellent resources for children who have difficulty with generalization, such as children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Reading A-Z Reading A-Z is an excellent resource for special education teachers. It breaks reading levels into discrete levels from a-z for pre-primer through grade 6 readers. One of the advantages is that there is a great deal of non-fiction, which makes these lower level reading books age appropriate for older but very disabled readers. Not exactly the same as the Fountas and Pinnell levels, the website provides conversion charts which can be helpful if you are writing IEP goals with grade level goals (say, John will read at grade level 2.4 with 94% accuracy.)The website provides books in the PDF format that you can download and print in multiples. Each level provides benchmark books with pre-printed running record forms with the text from the books with places to check off the sort of errors for miscue analysis. Each benchmark also comes with a comprehension question, with different levels of questions geared to Blooms Taxonomy. Scholastic Bookwizard Finding leveled reading material for running records or miscue analysis can be a challenge. Scholastic offers a way to level the books they publish, either by grade level or guided reading level (Fountas and Pinnell.) Fountas and Pinnell also provide resources for leveling books but require a paid membership. Scholastic publishes some of the most popular childrens titles. Knowing grade level means that a teacher can select 100 word plus passages from authentic texts to use for running records and miscue analysis. Special Education Some publishers offer adapted assessments for special education students, or the special educator can adapt the assessment him or herself. Some text-based assessments can be read and scribed, especially if those accommodations are part of the students Specially Designed Instruction. Social studies tests are a good example: these are tests of a students social studies knowledge, not reading ability. The curriculum materials may be adapted to the students ability or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals. For example, fourth-grade children are mastering long division, but children with disabilities in the same classroom may be mastering single digit divisors into two or three digit dividends. Curriculum-based assessment is just one of the ways to collect data to meet IEP goals. The above websites provide a lot of useful resources for the special educator.

Novel presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Novel presentation - Essay Example Cinna: A look hunger game is all about wining audience favor. As a tribute stylist it was my duty to portray Katiness and peeta as amiable and thus win audience favor. So we came up with something different and encouraged them to hold hands and strengthen the bond of friendship with them rather than taking their roles before the game. Cinna: over the game there are many apparent changes in Katiness and as far as I am concerned, with time her confidence on me increased not only as a stylist but as her mentor and friend. And this can be greatly attributed to the overwhelming response she received during the opening ceremony. She realized that I am not only concerned with her physical appearance in games but also her image and true meaning of her presence in games. Cinna: no! I never purposely decide to be rebellious it’s just that certain Capitol tradition doesn’t appeal me. They are really harsh and cruel for tributes so I just oppose them in the right way. Cinna: I never thought so! I advised Katiness to publicly declare her love for Peeta to save herself from the wrath of game makers and it was true she loved Peeta and whatever they did was to save each other so I just advised them to be firm and honest in their stance. Cinna: circumstances compelled them to do so. Game makers wanted to confront two star crossed lovers without considering their feelings. They played the whole game in full spirit but in the end when Capitol played its trick they were forced to react this way. Cinna: not exactly! I strived to portray them friends but later during training sessions I realized that there is some sort of mutual attraction between two and since Katiness was my friend and we shared many things, I was aware of what she is feeling.

Food, Identity and Spaces Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Food, Identity and Spaces - Research Paper Example Before we can consider such situations, it is important to first delve into challenges that tourists face in unfamiliar culinary situations. The primary point of concern is: How does food, as much as it presents unique experiences to tourists, conflict with their culture and eating etiquette in unfamiliar culinary situations? Cultural Mismatch One of the primary challenges faced by people in unfamiliar culinary situations stems from cultural mismatch. Local food, according to Cohen and Avieli, is both an attraction and an impediment. The cultural points of difference are evident from the displeasure to the displaying of caged animals waiting to be killed and served to customers. Tourists not accustomed to this practice have often found it repulsively disturbing to the extent of losing their appetite altogether (Cohen &Avieli, 2004). Similar sentiments are shared by Chang, Kivela and Mak, whose study centred on the idea of travel dining with a specific focus on the Chinese experience, as an expression of engagement between tourists and other cultures. According to the line of argument developed in this study, which has singled out different types of tourists, allo-centric tourists are generally more willing to try novel food when it comes to unfamiliar environment. On the other hand, psychocentric tourists will tend to stick to familiar culinary patterns that fit into their culture. Clearly, there is an implied sense of intimidation when the latter are not willing to step out of their comfort zone and accept the concept of change. It can be concluded from this line of thought that cultural mismatch is a great impediment when it comes to experiencing unfamiliarity in foreign land. As such, the identity of the foreign food culture is unappreciated and thus compromised. On a similar note, the element of cultural mismatch is also present when â€Å"an immigrant to Canada, quickly finds his own ethnic identity challenged in terms of food. Offered a hot dog by his fr iend Romesh, Nurdin, a Muslim, knowingly takes the forbidden meat into his own body† (Padolsky, 2005, NS). In another study, Western European and Israeli tourists in the Asian regions where the cultures are radically different find it overwhelmingly difficult to adapt to local food due to cultural mismatch (Cohen &Avieli, 2005). Evidently, the three studies share similar sentiments on cultural challenges faced when experiencing unfamiliar culinary situation. Contrasting Eating Etiquettes Contrasting eating etiquettes also come out strongly on the three studies as a notable impediment to adapting to new types of food as people visit different cultures. A specific example is the aroused uneasiness by Westerners confronted by chopsticks when touring parts of Asia (Cohen and Avieli, 2004). There are also some peculiar food practices that separate the cultures of the East and the West. For instance, the differing methods used in food preparation are culturally dependent and therefo re, some methods may contrast with other cultures (Chang, Kivela & Mak, 2010). Culturally sensitive people would then find it difficult eating food prepared under such circumstances. The same line of thought seems to be shared by Podolsky when he claims that eating etiquettes vary from one cultural background to another. In his context, people find it difficult to adapt to new diets especially when the host’s eating etiquettes differ greatly from what they are accustomed to in their

A Logistics Managers Position with the Firm Essay

A Logistics Managers Position with the Firm - Essay Example Throughout the internships summer experiences, I learned that international shipping is more than just filling out paperwork. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to the actual physical work that is involved, the ships that carry the goods, and the high risk of shipping over the ocean rather than by air. Just wearing a tie or nice trousers looks good, but it’s also good to be able to say I loaded the container. I know about commercial ships and ocean travel. In other words, I’ve gotten my hand's dirty learning from the bottom.  Just wearing a tie or nice trousers looks good, but it’s also good to be able to say I loaded the container. I know about commercial ships and ocean travel. In other words, I’ve gotten my hand's dirty learning from the bottom up. My references will confirm that I’m disciplined, energetic, and a quick-learner and feel pretty good about myself gave the economy and hold plentiful knowledge about the position I m applying for. If you have an opening and by going through my professional details you think that I can justify the responsibilities of the concerned job, I would welcome an interview at your convenience.

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

Vancomycin - Essay Example New antibiotics were introduced to fight the ever changing and more resistant strains. Vancomycin, the antibiotic of last resort, has been used to fight infections when all other drugs fail, but has recently met its match with strains that have become resistant to this last line of defense. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly virulent infection that has become resistant to most antibiotics. MRSA is a bacteria that is normally found in healthy people and usually is merely a passive bystander. However, it can cause skin infections and can occasionally be quite severe. By 1987 hospitals in Europe were reporting the first cases of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus. Between 1987 and 1993 the problem was escalating and had resulted in a 20 fold increase in the number of cases of vancomycin resistant enterococcus reported by intensive care units in hospitals in the United States. It was reported in 1992 that the vancomycin resistant gene from Enterococcus had been transferred to Staphylococcus aureus in a laboratory in England. The researchers were alarmed and destroyed the bacteria. According to Dr. Ricki Lewis reporting in the FDA Consumer magazine in 1995, "... bacteria swap resistance genes like teenagers swap T-shirts".

How and Why Starbucks Is Affected By both Internal and External Essay

How and Why Starbucks Is Affected By both Internal and External Challenges - Essay Example This paper illustrates that increased globalization and trade liberalization of markets has resulted in the facilitated growth of international business. However, together with opportunities for increased revenues and new markets’ potential, many firms have faced with a challenge of managing organizational behavior in different environments. Organizations, especially those that operate in multiple regions or continents are continuously exposed to divergent legal, political and socio-cultural environments. One of the great examples of such organizations is Starbucks Corporation. Starbucks is a leading multinational corporation operating in the specialist coffee retailing sector. Its values share in the world coffee shops category has reached 0.7% in 2013. While the company’s largest business unity is in the US (63% of sales), it has managed to establish a substantial international presence. The company pursues a strategy of global business expansion. As the company opera tes in numerous international markets it faces with various external factors that influence the company’s strategy and operations. In order to overcome all these challenges and other difficulties, it is vital for a business organization to have efficient and appropriate organizational structure. The company has implemented a functional organizational structure and combined it with a divisional approach, whereas organizational structure is comprised of various departments and divisions that are responsible for performing different functions. After Howard Shultz, the founder of the Starbucks returned to the organization as the CEO in 2008, he has introduced some transformational changes to the organizational structure. The company has decreased the number of partners and the number of existing positions, and also reduced its workforce. Furthermore, in 2012, the company has redefined its organizational structure of retail business focusing on geographic principle and identifying three-region structures: Americas (US, Latin America, and Canada), China/Asia Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa. Thus, the company has supplemented its structure with geographically based divisional structure design.

Slavery Northerners and Southerners Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Slavery Northerners and Southerners - Essay Example The niggers (black people) were the ones subjected to slavery. In the long run, some of the American people realized the evil of slavery and considered it a sin. The first abolitionist movement was founded in the northern part of America. It was the northerners who first discovered the immoral aspect of slavery and called for its complete abolition. While slavery was dying in the north, the southerners demanded for more slaves. Cotton gin was invented during that time (Burns, n.d.). The device increased the production of cotton as well as the demand for slave labor. Thus, more and more black people were sold in the southern part. In this context, the southerners feared of economic loss and racial equality if slavery was to be abolished (Burns, n.d.). Southerners believed that black people are meant to work and serve the white people. As new territories and states were formed, the topic on slavery became controversial than ever. Specifically, the question of whether or not slavery was to be allowed in the newly formed states and territories caught both the northerners and southerners attention. The answer to the query was critical to their respective economic and racial concern. The question bothered the northerners since allowing slavery in the new states would be a disadvantage on their part. Stated otherwise, the legalization of slavery in those states was considered by the northerners as unfair and an economic threat.

How and Why Starbucks Is Affected By both Internal and External Essay

How and Why Starbucks Is Affected By both Internal and External Challenges - Essay Example This paper illustrates that increased globalization and trade liberalization of markets has resulted in the facilitated growth of international business. However, together with opportunities for increased revenues and new markets’ potential, many firms have faced with a challenge of managing organizational behavior in different environments. Organizations, especially those that operate in multiple regions or continents are continuously exposed to divergent legal, political and socio-cultural environments. One of the great examples of such organizations is Starbucks Corporation. Starbucks is a leading multinational corporation operating in the specialist coffee retailing sector. Its values share in the world coffee shops category has reached 0.7% in 2013. While the company’s largest business unity is in the US (63% of sales), it has managed to establish a substantial international presence. The company pursues a strategy of global business expansion. As the company opera tes in numerous international markets it faces with various external factors that influence the company’s strategy and operations. In order to overcome all these challenges and other difficulties, it is vital for a business organization to have efficient and appropriate organizational structure. The company has implemented a functional organizational structure and combined it with a divisional approach, whereas organizational structure is comprised of various departments and divisions that are responsible for performing different functions. After Howard Shultz, the founder of the Starbucks returned to the organization as the CEO in 2008, he has introduced some transformational changes to the organizational structure. The company has decreased the number of partners and the number of existing positions, and also reduced its workforce. Furthermore, in 2012, the company has redefined its organizational structure of retail business focusing on geographic principle and identifying three-region structures: Americas (US, Latin America, and Canada), China/Asia Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa. Thus, the company has supplemented its structure with geographically based divisional structure design.

How to plan and provide environments and services support children Essay Example for Free

How to plan and provide environments and services support children Essay Describe the factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services: All staff has a duty of care for children and each other within the setting. It is important that everybody is aware of government legislation regarding the schools Health and Safety policy in regards to potential risks and hazards and what should happen if an incident occurs. As health and safety is primarily common sense it becomes second nature when working with children to abide by the Health and Safety policy. When working within a school staff should always make sure that areas are fit to purpose prior to any learning or play activities this could mean doing a risk assessment to ensure areas are safe and free from any potential risks. If a risk is spotted it should be reported immediately or logged for attention. The factors to take into account are: Every child is an individual and progresses at different rates and each child has different needs which depend on their age and ability. When we plan activities we should think about ways in which way we can keep all children active and the layout of the room and the needs of the child if you have a baby in the room you would not allow toddlers to be running round. Also if children wanted to ride bikes this should be done outside with more space and under supervision. Some children may have more specific needs than other children if they are have a sensory impairment provisions should be put in place so the child will enjoy mainstream school as much as the next child. An adult could also have specific needs where a risk assessment may need to be done at some time like if the person is pregnant or impaired in some way. Individual support may be offered to families/carers that have different needs to others. When working with children we should always be aware of our environment as we would not allow a child to run around the classroom with scissors, if this did happen we would explain or ask the child why this is a dangerous thing to do. In any school yard there should be separate sides of the yard were say football is played rather than all the children playing in line of the ball as this may cause injury. Explain how health and safety is monitored and maintained and how people in  the work setting are made aware of risks and hazards and encouraged to work safely: Within school settings health and safety is monitored and maintained by the schools policies and procedures these are implemented by a governing body then must be carried out to the letter. Anybody running a place where members of public visit must have a duty of care and not let people be exposed to hazards that may cause illness or harm them. Visitors must follow the set guidelines to ensure the safety and well being of all children within the setting. Children who are being collected must be collected by a person known by the teacher unless prior information given, if a child requires medicine then this will be left in the office with a consent form received from the parents. Within school if a accident / incident happens then it is recorded and parents are informed of the child’s injury i.e. bumped head letter. W ithin schools there will always be a first aider available to deal with an injury. Confidentiality policy is always kept within school the only time confidentiality should be broken is when neglect or a form of abuse is suspected and the relevant authorities need to know. Risk assessments are carried out daily by teachers and all staff to ensure no potential risks or hazards. If anything is found it must be recorded and reported immediately relevant staff must be notified. Identify sources of current guidance for planning healthy and safe environments and services: All settings should have copies of the latest legislation as recorded in 1.4 they will also have their own policies and procedures. There is also a lot of information to be found on the internet: Health and safety executive Child accident prevention trust Department for education Explain how current health and safety legislation, policies and procedures are implemented in own work setting: When working with schools we have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of all children and fellow colleagues as they are entrusted in our care listed below are the main policies: Policies and procedures regarding Health and Safety at Work are given to all staff including volunteers on the first day of employment  within the setting this is based on the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The main responsibilities of this act are that all buildings should be maintained to a high standard, designed with safety in mind. The environment should always be clean and tidy; all equipment should be stored away safely. As is good practice working practice should promote the health and safety of children. These acts also provides protection for employees by the workplace being a safe place and not pose a risk to employee’s health as stated in COSHH all hazardous substan ces and cleaning equipment stored away safely. Training should be provided for all employees on health and safety. PPE clothing should be provided free of charge. Certain injuries, diseases and incidents should be reported immediately to the Health and Safety Executive. First aid facilities and a first aider should be accessible at all times, within each setting there will be a safety representative who can be consulted regarding issues which may affect health and safety. Finally the legal duties of all employees must be responsible to take care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. All employees must cooperate with the health and safety at work act. This will be kept in the office and available to all. Fire precaution act 1971 and regulations :The fire authority will issue a fire certificate when happy that all correct procedures are in place .They also check the fire equipment and correct fire escapes and routes of departure COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health) this is monitored and maintained within schools by ensuring all chemicals and cleaning equipment is locked away in a cupboard away from all children. All chemicals must be clearly marked. RIDDOR 1995 (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Da ngerous Occurrence Regulations )this is a legal duty to explain work related deaths, any major incidents or injuries, work related diseases and dangerous occurrence. When carrying children or equipment always promote good practice. The Childcare Act 2006 this sets out the statutory framework for health and safety within all settings including that of the EYFS their standards are monitored by Ofsted. Product safety marking these must be (PAT tested) regularly and they will hold the kite mark to say they have been tested. Toys must carry a CE showing that the product meets European standards. Motor vehicles regulations 2006 seat belts must be worn at all times and booster seats provided for children under a certain height (135cm). Smoking ban 2007 EYFS  this includes a legal requirement to ensure all children are in a smoke free zone. The manual handling operations regulation act 1992Employers must ensure that correct guidelines are followed when lifting pupils or equipment. Hygiene legislation 2006 This covers the safe preparation and storage of food .All kitchen staff must hold a current food hygiene certificate .There must be posters displayed within the kitchen reminding staff of good practice i.e. different coloured chopping boards and how food is stored correctly. The early years foundation stage (EYFS) Statutory framework for eyfs 2008 ensuring all aspects of welfare for children is covered ,this includes safeguarding ,suitable people ,suitable premises and equipment .There must be correct documentation within the organisation. Other procedures which are in place to safeguard children are: Safety fence and locked gates disallowing children to leave when in outdoors areas. All doors which provide entry and access are locked and door handles unobtainable to children. All visitors must sign in and wear a badge if there for a while must be notified about health and safety. Children must be picked up by the named person unless by prior arrangement. Confidentiality maintained at all times unless abuse is suspected. Admissions where no child can be looked on more favourably than another. Accident/incident must be recorded if a child has a bump or injury then this must be sent home to parents explaining what happened if a major incident must be forwarded to relevant people. Taking of medic ines they must be stored correctly parents must sign a consent form to say what the medicine is and how much and when their child is allowed it. Within the setting there will be a notice in the staff room of which child is asthmatic or allergic to food or other things so each staff member can see.

Contrast Between Leadership And Management Management Essay

Contrast Between Leadership And Management Management Essay The paper is about todays leadership and discuss about the impact on leadership from diverse culture. Two leadership models are introduced with application of one famous leader. Mullins (2007) defined leadership as a relationship, which a person influences others on their behaviors. It is always associated with group activities. Many people may be confused with leadership and management. Leadership plays one function of management (Anon., 1997). Management has four major functions, planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Kinicki Williams, 2006). Leadership has the function of leading. Leaders have followers by influence them, while managers get subordinates and rule them. Vick (2012) distinguished them by regarding managers as the liaisons between individual success and organizations success, and regarding leaders as instigators. Although its very ideal to play a role with the combination of leader and manager, a manager is not necessary to be a leader, vice versa. 1.3 The way leaders influence others One major reason is leaders can influence others by their power. Bartol and Martin (1991) stated that Power is the capacity to affect the behavior of others. It includes legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, information power, and referent power. By using different type of power, the followers may have different reaction. Hellriegel, Jackson and Slocum (2002) classified the reactions into three types: commitment, compliance, and resistance. Most Likely Response from Followers Type of power Used by Leader Expert Referent Reward Legitimate Coercive Commitment Compliance Resistance 1.4 Leadership with cultural diversity Nowadays, with the development of globalization, leaders are more likely to face followers with different cultures than before. In organizations, whether companies have international activities, they may have a workforce with diverse culture (Den Hartog Dickson, n.d.). 2 A Leader for Example Todays would is heavily affected by the developed technology. PC has become an indispensable part in the life. And the person who made PC universal is the co-found and chairman of Microsoft, Bill Gates. He also founded Bill Melinda Gates Foundation with his wife, Melinda Gates (Bellis, n.d.). Bill Gates is an entrepreneur and a philanthropist as well. He had been the wealthiest man in the world for a long period. Bill Gates has many common traits which also appear in many other successful leaders. The following ones are some of them: Passion on career: Since first exposure to computers in 1968, Bill Gates was inspired passion on computers. He took part in many computer related activities, such as being hired by CCC to find bugs. He even dropped out of Harvard and set up Microsoft to devote into developing software (EVAN CARMICHAEL, n.d.). Spirit of innovation: Bill Gates has the spirit of innovation. Windows 1.0, an operation system which was far cry from existing ones at that time, is a brainchild of Bill Gates (Microsoft, n.d.). Ambition: 3 Leadership Model Leadership models are established for people to follow to 3.1 Transformational Model DuBrin (2010) stated that Transformational leadership focuses on what the leader accomplishes yet still pays attention to the leaders personal characteristics and his or her relationship with group members. Transformational leadership was firstly proposed by James MacGregor Burns in 1978. She conceptualized leadership as either transactional or transformational (Bass Riggio, 2006). The latest transformational model includes four elements, idealised influence (II), inspirational motivation (IM), intellectual stimulation (IS) and individualized consideration (IC), which are also known as 4Is. The variables of transformational leadership (Bass Riggio, 2006) Idealized influence: Idealized influence refers to the leaders generating trust, respect and loyalty from followers by their high level of ethical and moral behaviors. Followers approve the leaders and intend to imitate them. Idealized influence has two aspects, the leaders behaviors and followers perception. Inspirational motivation: Transformational leaders have strong vision for the future. They stimulate followers by giving challenge and meaning to followers work. Leaders make followers involve in imaging fascinating future and drive up followers enthusiasm and optimism. Intellectual stimulation: Transformational leaders encourage followers to be innovative and creative. Individuals mistakes are not to be criticized publicly. New ideas and approaches from followers are encouraged. Individualized consideration: Transformational leaders act as a coach or mentor and lay emphasis on individual followers needs for achievement and development. Different needs and wants of individual are recognized. Leaders prefer a two-way communication with followers and personalized interaction. The full range of leadership model The full range of leadership model is a combination of both transactional and transformational leadership. The components of transactional leadership include contingent reward (CR), management-by-exception (MBE), and laissez-faire leadership (LF). Fig.3.1 The full range of leadershipThe components are evaluated by two dimensions, activeness and effectiveness. Bass and Riggio (2006) stated that optimal leaders display LF leadership most infrequently, and display MBE and CR higher frequently. They choose transformational leadership, 4Is, most frequently. In contrast, poor leaders preform oppositely. Bill gates, a transformational leader Bill gates started Microsoft with a strong vision, a computer on every desk and Microsoft on every computer. He attributed the astounding success of Microsoft to the vision. (EVAN CARMICHAEL, n.d.). 3.2 Situational leadership model 4 Impact from cultural diversity Leaders use a combination of different leadership style. National cultural is one of the important factors which affect the decisions of choosing leadership style (Robbins and Decenzo). With the increasing globalization, the situation of cultural factor becomes more complex for the leaders. 5 Conclusion

Allen Ginsberg’s America and Kerouac’s Vanity of Puluoz :: Ginsberg America Essays

Allen Ginsberg’s America and Kerouac’s Vanity of Puluoz    Throughout the words and the lives of the Beat Generation, one theme is apparent: America, everywhere from Allen Ginsberg’s â€Å"America,† to Jack Kerouac’s love for Thomas Wolfe. Although the views of America differ, they all find some reason to focus in on this land. Ginsberg, in his poem â€Å"America,† makes a point that not many of us can see as obvious: â€Å"It occurs to me that I am America. I am talking to myself again.† Each and every one of us make up America, and when we complain about something that is wrong, we are complaining about ourselves. Being raised by his mother as a Communist, and being homosexual, Ginsberg found many things wrong with America, and he does his fare share of complaining, but at the end he decides, â€Å"America I’m putting my queer shoulder to the wheel.† Ginsberg didn’t want to sit and watch everything go wrong. He was going to do something, despite the fact that he was not the ideal Amer ican. Kerouac’s view of America was completely different from Ginsberg’s view. Kerouac saw America as a beautiful place, with many unexplored regions for himself, and the rest of the people in the country. Kerouac credited his love for America to Thomas Wolfe. In Kerouac’s book Vanity of Puluoz he said that Wolfe made him realize that America was not a dreary place to work and struggle in, it was a poem. If everybody thought of America as a poem rather than a place where we just come to in order to live work and die, this country would be the ideal place that Kerouac wanted it to be. The â€Å"Night of the Wolfeans† was an event in the lives of the Beats that affected them for a long time. It brought together all of the Beat’s feelings toward America. They were put into two categories: â€Å"Wolfeans,† and â€Å"non-Wolfeans.† Kerouac and Hal Chase were heterosexual, all-American boys who believed in America, the perfect image of the American citizen. The non-Wolfeans (William Burroughs and Ginsberg) were also known as â€Å"Baudelaireans† or â€Å"Black Priests.† They wanted to destroy the Wolfeans and all that they believed in. The Beats felt that everybody fell into one of these two categories. One thing that all the Beats agreed upon, was that in order to truly become a great writer, you had to be considered an American writer.

Robert Frost Home Burial - A Reflection of Reality Essay -- Home Buri

Home Burial as a Reflection of Reality Robert Frost's "Home Burial" is a masterfully written work, conceived from his and his wife's anguish at the loss of their first-born son as well as from the estrangement between his sister-in-law and her husband due to the death of their child. In Donald J. Greiner's commentary on Frost's works, "The Indespensible Robert Frost," it is revealed that "Mrs. Frost could not ease her grief following Elliot's death, and Frost later reported that she knew then that the world was evil. Amy in "Home Burial" makes the same observati Often it seems that writers have their own personal inspiration that fuels a great work to cause its readers to realize the complexity of the human nature. Robert Frost's "Home Burial" is a masterfully written example of such works, conceived from his and his wife's anguish at the loss of their first-born son as well as from the estrangement between his sister-in-law and her husband due to the death of their child. In Donald J. Greiner's commentary on Frost's work s, "The Indespensible Robert Frost," it is revealed that "Mrs. Frost could not ease her grief following Elliot's death, and Frost later reported that she knew then that the world was evil. Amy in "Home Burial" makes the same observation". "Home Burial" illustrates the cause of the failing marriage as a breakdown of communication, both verbally and physically, between two people who adopt totally different views in the midst of crisis. Amy does not believe that her husband is in mourning over the death of their child. Her view can be defended by the fact that she is feeling unimaginable pain that she justly feels is unique to the nurturing nature of a mother. The child tha... ...eir ability to talk normally to eachother, but also because the physical side of their marriage is absent. Touch is a form of communication that the total absence of alone can destroy a loving union. Frost leaves the reader with a realistically portrayed image of their marital turmoil reaching a height as Amy opens the door, ready to walk out on the marriage. The melancholy conclusion to Frost's work ends up being the result of failed communication. "Home Burial" is unfortunately a reflection of the reality that many marriages fail in the event of a child's death. A lack of communication, both verbally and physically, tears apart two people even without a tragedy as profound as the one that Frost and his wife experienced. Frost's work is an expression of the more serious and traumatic side of nature and reveals the consequences of inevitable human flaws.

Ocean Spray Case Study Essay

OceanSpray Cranberries Inc is the world’s leading grower owned corporative that harvests and exports of cranberry and grape fruit along with its bye-products in the form of juice, sauce, etc throughout the globe. Founded in 1912, at South Hanson, Ocean Spray Cranberries has managed to keep its brand name as the world leader in food products till date. It is only because of the various strategies it has adopted at different periods when encountered with a difficulty. In Cranberry Industry as described by Jeff Kapell as â€Å"growing cranberries is not just a business, but a way of life –there was a sense of commitment to the land that went beyond making a profit.† OceanSpray had however succeeded in balancing supply and demand by expanding acreage each year. Ocean Spray’s marketing had let to an increase in the number of independent cranberry growers. When OceanSpray was at its peak in business, the government started introducing several regulations and restrictions on using environmental elements such as air, water, and soil etc., which obviously affected the supply and demand cycles of OceanSpray. The major regulations that affected OceanSpray’s economy were the one related to bog expansion. A bog is a type of wetland which is most suited for the growth of Cranberry fruits. However the government restricted the number of bogs to be used by growers for cultivation which in turn affected the production made by OceanSpray. The government also restricted the use of chemicals and fertilizers in bogs to grow the fruits in order to prevent soil contamination, land degradation and water pollution. OceanSpray being so committed to the society had to oblige to the regulations of the government. Thus the concern for environment by both the government as well as OceanSpray affected OceanSpray’s business and economy to a great extent. 2. ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN OCEAN SPRAY: In order to resolve the issues related to the environment, the Board of Directors of OceanSpray established an Environmental Committee. To co-ordinate environmental programs and develop a broad strategy on the environment a six-member corporate environmental policy was created. It was necessary to develop a formal management structure to coordinate the widening range of environmental regulations affecting the cooperative, at that time. The Managers throughout the company developed parallel environmental programs coordinated through the Environmental Affairs Team. An employee of OceanSpray by name, Neil Bryson headed the Environmental, Health and Safety activities at a corporate level. 2. (i) ROLE OF MANAGERS IN CONTROLLING THE OWNERS: Ocean Spray Management felt that the new environmental policies would be more acceptable to growers if they were developed by other grower members. The grower shall follow the practices, rules and regulations that protected the environment. The growers had already started researching on finding out alternate pesticides for their bogs to protect the wetlands. However there was a need for educating them and guiding them since the management of bog had to be done in a more professional way using sophisticated agriculture management practices. Hence it is mandatory for the managers to exercise control over the owners on practicing agriculture to grow cranberries. 2. (ii) INVOLVEMENT OF MANAGERS IN RE-AUTHORISING CLEAN WATER ACT The government as an initiative to protect wetland introduced new rules and regulations. As a result it restructured and strengthened the definition of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, an act which was related to preventing water pollution. This directly affected the bog maintenance and bog expansion activities of Cranberry growers of OceanSpray. The bog owners really started suffering because of this.As a caretaker of the growers; it is the responsibility of the management of OceanSpray to help them get out  of trouble. Hence the managers must obviously get involved directly in recommending the government to re-authorize the Clean Water Act. 3. OPPORTUNI TIES FOR EXPANSION OF CANBERRY BOG Cranberry Bogs had been developed on natural wetland areas. The bogs were formed around the margin of streams and ponds. Cranberries were one component of ecosystem. The commercial cultivation of the cranberry altered to the ecological diversity of the bog. The functional value of wetlands were recognized by environmental activists including physical and hydrologic properties such as flood protection, ground water recharge and erosion control, biological and biochemical functions and nutrient provision. Cranberry cultivation posed for developing wetland regulations. The cranberry was a native wetland plant. The impacts of cranberry production on the aesthetic and the intrinsic value of the wetland functions related to water quality and biodiversity. The studies undertaken by the growers and the Ocean Spray suggested that the cranberry bog was low in diversity. The cranberry growers protected large areas of land from urbanization. Cranberry Bog were the heart of a unique growing system that included wetlands, uplands, ditches, flumes, ponds and reservoirs. There were four acres of support land for every acre of cranberry bog. The entire Cranberry wetland system provided a diversity of habitat for many rare animal and plant species. Hence the government restricted the usage of bogs which were of high value to the environment. However, Cranberries had their best growth at their best only in bogs. The regulations imposed by the federal governments minimized the opportunities of expanding the bogs by OceanSpray for the cultivation of Cranberries. The expansion of the bogs became an literally impossible owing to the acts like Clean Water Act and Wet Land Protection Act which insisted on ,†No Net Loss Of Wetland†. The individual growers had to get approval for each and every process by both the federal and state governments which made running the entire show much complicated than it was before. Hence the bog expansion became just a dream for the growers. But by analyzing from the growers point of view, they have been into Cranberry business for generations and for them this meant something more than just making profit. So the sudden regulations should not have been imposed on them and they should definitely be given an opportunity to expand the blog. 4. OCEAN SPRAY’S ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE â€Å"Competitive advantage is defined as the advantage that a firm has over its competitors, allowing it to generate greater sales and retain more customers. Competitive advantage gives a company an edge over its rivals and an ability to generate greater value for the firm and its shareholders. The more sustainable the competitive advantage, the more difficult it is for competitors to neutralize it† [Investopedia, Website]. OceanSpray as the world leader in Cranberry Industry had the farmers and land owners who did the job of cultivating and harvesting fruits with utmost dedication and care rather than just profit making. They by nature had much concern towards the environment and OceanSpray as an organization introduced and practiced several environmental programs. Some of the most noteworthy programs were water management which researched on irrigation techniques for the efficient use of water resource, wildlife enhancement, a program to preserve and promote wildlife, pesticide screening, a program to analyze and identify the right combination of pesticides that would both promote the growth of the fruit as well as preserve the fertility of the soil, Pesticide use that formulated the risk criteria for the use of pesticides and advised the same to the farmers as well, and finally the Integrated Pest Management Program that insisted on aspects like manipulation of water resources, maintenance of irrigation systems and the proper application of sand. This proves that the OceanSpray environment programs definitely stood as a competitive advantage to it increasing its reputation among customers and respect among government and other competitors. (c) TEACHING VEHICLE TO AIR AND WATER POLLUTION Let us see how this case study can be considered as a tool to teach the concept of Air and Water pollution: Strengths of this case that make it a teaching vehicle to air and water pollution: The module 6 of this subject covers the concept of air, noise and water pollution. In water pollution, the importance of wetlands in treating waste water and preventing water pollution is discussed under the topic; â€Å"Public Policy and Preventive Action†. This case study of OceanSpray is about the practices adopted by the growers and management to preserve wetland as well as expand their bog and productions rate. Learning this case study gives us a clear idea about preventing and managing water pollution. Thus this case study could be considered as a teaching vehicle for water pollution. Weaknesses of this case that make it a teaching vehicle to air and water pollution: This case study is about the environment management practices adopted by OceanSpray in order to overcome the troubles caused by the introduction of new rules and regulations by the government to protect wetlands and prevent water pollution. However this does not provide any informative data about the source, cause, type and prevention of air pollution. Thus the OceanSpray case study could be very well considered as a training vehicle for water pollution but not air pollution. REFERENCES Investopedia, Available at http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/competitive_advantage.asp Accessed on 12th August 2010. Ecology, ECO8011 Module 6 Air, noise & water pollution.

Mass Media in Great Britain Essay

The media play a central role in Britain’s daily life, informing and educating, questioning and challenging – and of course – entertaining. In recent years the availability of more radio frequencies, together with satellite, cable and microwave transmissions, has already made a greater number of local, national and international services possible. The transition from analogue to digital transmission technology is now expanding this capacity enormously. The Internet is providing, increasingly, an additional medium for information, entertainment and communication. Television and Radio Broadcasting in Britain has traditionally been based on the principle that it is a public service accountable to people. While retaining the essential public service element, it now also embraces the principles of competition and choice: †¢ the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), which broadcasts television and radio programmes; †¢ the ITC (Independent Television Commission), which licenses and regulates commercial television services, including cable and satellite services. †¢ the Radio Authority, which licenses and regulates commercial radio services, including cable and satellite. The three bodies work to broad requirements and objectives defined and endorsed by Parliament, but are otherwise independent in their daily conduct of business. Television viewing is by far Britain’s most popular leisure pastime: over 97 per cent of households have at least one TV set. British television productions are sold world – wide. BBC The BBC provides two complementary national terrestrial television networks: BBC 1 and BBC 2, which transmit 24 hours a day. It also provides a range of digital channels, including BBC News 24 and BBC Choice. BBC Network Radio serves an audience of 29 each week, transmitting 24 hours a day on its five national networks. BBC has 39 local radio stations serving England and the Channel Islands, and regional and community radio services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. BBC World Service broadcasts by radio in English and 42 other languages world – wide. It has a global weekly audience of at least 140 million listeners. BBC Worldwide Television is responsible for the BBC’s commercial television activity. It is one of Europe’s largest exporters of television programmes. It also runs an advertiser – funded, 24 – hour international news and information channel; and an entertainment and drama channel broadcast to subscribers in continental Europe and Africa. The BBC’s domestic services are financed predominantly from the sale of annual television licences; there are no paid advertisements. BBC World Service radio is funded by a government grant, while BBC Worldwide Television is self – financing. Independent Television The ITC licenses and regulates three commercial television services – Channel 3 and Channel 4 (in Wales the corresponding service is S4C), which complement each other, and Channel 5 – all financed by advertising and sponsorship. Channel 3 programmes are supplied by 15 regionally based licensees and an additional licensee providing a national breakfast – time service. Licences for Channel 3 and 5 are awarded for a ten – year period by competitive tender to the highest bidder who has passed a quality threshold. Independent Radio Independent radio programme companies operate under licence to the Radio Authority and are financed mainly by advertising revenue. There are three independent national services: Classic FM, broadcasting mainly classical music; Virgin 1215, playing broad – based rock music; and Talk Radio UK,  speech – based service. About 200 independent local radio services are also in operation. Stations supply local news and information, sport, music and other entertainment, education and consumer advice. Teletext, Cable and Satellite Services The BBC and independent television both operate a Teletext service, under which information is displayed as â€Å"pages† of text and graphics on receivers equipped with the necessary decoders. Cable services are delivered through underground cables and are paid for subscription. Cable franchises have been granted covering areas comprising 83 per cent of all homes and nearly all urban areas in Britain. In mid – 1999 there were about 12.1 million homes able to receive such services, and 3 million subscribing homes. Digital technology is being introduced which will support up to 500 television channels. Cable also has the capacity for computer – based interactive services, such as home shopping and email. Many British – based satellite television channels have been set up to supply programmes to cable operators and viewers with satellite dishes. Some offer general entertainment, while others concentrate on specific areas of interest, such as sport, music, children’s programmes and feature films. The largest satellite programmer is BSkyB (British Sky Broadcasting) which, with around 7 million subscribers, dominates paid – for television in Britain. It launched its digital satellite service in 1998, carrying more than 140 channels. Satellite television and cable services are funded mainly by subscription income. The Press National newspapers have an average total circulation of over 13 million on weekdays and about 14 million on Sundays, although the total readership is considerably greater. There are 10 national morning daily papers and 10  national Sundays – five â€Å"qualities†, two â€Å"mid – market† and three â€Å"populars†. There are about 1,350 regional and local newspapers, and over 7,000 periodical publications. There is no state control or censorship of the newspaper and periodical press, which caters for a range of political views, interests and level of education. Where they express pronounced views and show obvious political leanings in their editorial comments, these may derive from proprietorial and other non – party influences. A non – statutory Press Complaints Commission deals with complaints by members of the public about the content and conduct of newspapers and magazines, and advises editors and journalists. In 1995, the Government rejected proposals for statutory regulation of the press and for legislation to give protection to privacy. Instead, it endorsed self – regulation under the Commission and recommended tougher measures to make self – regulation more effective. Working practices throughout the newspaper industry have become more efficient with the widespread used of advanced computer – based technology. Publishers have been able to reduce production costs by using computer systems for editing and production processes.

Organizational behavior Essay

1.Define organizational behavior, discuss its purpose, as well as what it includes within an organization. Basically organizational behavior is the study of the way people interact within groups in an organization by taking a system approach. The purpose of organizational behavior is to gain a greater understanding of those factors that influence individual and group dynamics in an organizational setting so that individuals, groups and the organizations to which they belong may become more efficient and effective. 2. Identify and explain what an organization’s foundation is based on. In addition, describe two steps an organization can take if they truly want to increase employee morale. An organizational foundation defines how job tasks are formally divided, grouped, and coordinated. Step 1. Show employees some appreciation by saying thanks, or give them sincere admiration for a job well done (especially in the presence of others). Employees need to know that they are being appreciated, even for the little things they do. Step 2. Encourage communication between employees and management: doing this will allow employees to feel comfortable to voice their opinions and make suggestions to improve conditions and work environments. Listen to your employees concerns about the job or possible problems at home or work. Find out if there are other concerns that need to be addressed. 3. Explain what motivation is and the benefit for organizations to have motivated employees. In addition, identify and describe the most valuable asset an organization has and how they keep them motivated. Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way, it underlines what employees choose to do and how much effort they put into accomplishing the job. Employee motivation is an important part of managing employees. This is because motivation can be directly linked to job performance. An employee’s performance typically is influenced by motivation, ability, and the work environment. There are several different motivation techniques that can be applied, many of which are universal and others which are dependent upon the situation, employee, department, or overall organization. People——- an organizations most valuable asset and must be kept engaged in the organizations process to stay motivated. An engaged employee is a person who is fully involved in, and enthusiastic about, his or her work. Engaged employees care about the future of the organization and are willing to invest the discretionary effort, exceed duty’s call, and to see that the organization succeed. 4. Identify and discuss the five main motivational theories of management. According to Maslow, employees have five levels of needs (Maslow, 1943): Physiological/biological, — food, water, shelter, air (all things needed for survival) safety, –stability, security, freedom from fear social/belonging/love,–affection, relationships and famil ego/esteem—recognition, respect and achievement and self- actualizing—self fulfillment, seeking personal growth and realizing personal potential 5. Explain the two key practices to managing an employee’s performance. Employee engagement——– Employees who are engaged in their work and committed to their organizations give companies crucial competitive advantages (including higher productivity and lower employee turnover.) Employees that are engaged usually will not take off from work just to be off, but will come to work and give more than a 110% Commitment——– Commitments requires an investment of time, as well as mental and emotional energy, most people make them with the expectation of reciprocation. That is, people assume that in exchange for their commitment, they will get something of value in return (such as favors, affection, gifts, attention, goods, money and property.) In the world of work, employees and employers have traditionally made an agreement. In exchange for workers’ commitment, organizations would provide forms of value for employees, such as secure jobs and fair compensation. Reciprocity affects the intensity of a commitment. View as multi-pages

What are the factors which affect the propensity of firms to innovate Essay

What are the factors which affect the propensity of firms to innovate through collaboration with other firms and which affect the outcomes of such interaction - Essay Example Various factors that are perceived to be beneficial to partnering firms cause them to come together and innovate together. Some of the factors that cause firms to collaborate in innovation include reducing the cost of development of the technology, reducing the potential risks that are involved in technological development or entering the market, to achieve the economies of scale, which reduce the cost of production, promoting shared learning between the firms involved, and reducing the time taken to produce and market new products (Tidd, Bessant and Pavitt, 2005, p25-78). The results of the collaborative invention vary significantly according to different companies, and these factors may be beyond or within the abilities of the partnering firms. Some factors that influence the results of a collaborative interaction between firms include: the competitiveness of the partners, the transparency issues, receptivity of ideas, the rate of learning and bargaining power of partners, the intention of the firms when they accepted to enter into collaboration, and sustainability of the deal (Hamel, 1991, p.83-101). These factors determine whether or not the collaboration will continue in order to develop technologies together. If the factors are favourable to the collaborating firms, they continue to develop technologies together. Different companies collaborate in innovation according to different interaction policies. These interactions are determined by conditions that are set by those partners, when joining together as well as those that are related to sustai nability. In order to understand the issues that are related to the collaborative innovation, there is need to explore the factors that influence firms to come together as well as those that influence the sustainability of collaborative innovation interactions. In events where firms collaborate to innovate, they need to put into consideration all the issues that can arise