Tattoo Different and Distinct Styles - 500 Words

Tattoos started as a rite of passage in several native tribes all over the world. Seasoned elders would take a single needle and dip it in an indelible ink before rapidly jabbing it into the skin on the back, arm, or even face of the person receiving the tattoo, creating intricate and beautiful designs. Over time, the art of tattooing has evolved into a form of self-expression, a sign of inclusion and even a way of sharing information when speech is not an option, as with medical tattoos. During the holocaust, the Nazi’s tattooed numbers on everyone that they put in the concentration camps. The evolution of tattoos has spawned many different and distinct styles such as Old School, Black and Gray, and New School, just to name a few. To start, let us talk about Old School, otherwise known as American Traditional. No one really knows much about where these tattoos originated, however, Old School style tattoos became popular among sailors in the American Navy during World War II. The basis of this style comes from 1940’s and 1950’s imagery, including characteristics such as a thick blue-black outlines and dark or muted shades of red and green, with occasional additions of yellow, blue, and purple. The Old School style uses almost no shading and artists often use white to highlight certain areas or give the appearance of the reflection of light. Tattoos done in this style include nautical stars, anchors and other naval or nautical themed designs as well as sparrows, cherries,Show MoreRelatedTattoos and Society Essay1436 Words   |  6 Pagespresent themselves to the world. Tattoos have been predominantly linked with a rebellious attitude and pictured on out of control stereotypes such as rock starts, bikers, sailors, and disobedient teenagers who want nothing more than to hack off their parents. With a new coming of age generation and a step into a more lenient and liberal society these types of patrons still participate in body art but so do doctors, lawyers, or just the run of the mill house mom. Tattoos signify religious beliefs, culturalRead MoreEssay about The Cultural Art of Body Art1084 Words   |  5 PagesFor a long time now body art and decoration has been a custom in many cultural groups. Through research we have learned about the different types of body art and ornamentation such as permanent and nonpermanent tattooing, scarification, and piercings. These forms of body art and ornamentation are done for a variety of reasons, ranging from identification purposes to religious rituals. â€Å"Skin, as a visible way of defining individual identity and cultural difference, is not only a highly elaboratedRead MoreQuestions On Writing And Writing1004 Words   |  5 Pagesheads put us where we stand today, thinking of new ideas and putting thoughts into action. Everyone has their own style of writing and thinking, and gives us each a unique perspective of life. I have interviewed Andre Stribling as a source of example about his thinking and writing lifestyle. The 24 year old has a wife and three boys. Andre has also served in the Navy for 5 years. Tattoos surround Andre’s body, each representing something meaningful. The one on his left arm was a Polynesian turtleRead MoreAnalysis Of Poem First Poem For You By Kim Addonizio873 Words   |  4 PagesThere are many forms to write a poem, and two distinct ways are as a sonnet or a villanelle. These two style of poetry have their own way in expressing the author’s message to the reader. In fact, sonnets, according to the text, are â€Å"defined as . . . lyric[s] (reference to moods and feelings) poem of fourteen lines. The sonnet will follow one or another of several set rhyme schemes. . . . [T]he sonnet came to life as a vehicle to convey love messages and passions.† By this definition, I can say thatRead MoreThe Subculture Of Urban Space1566 Words   |  7 Pagest heir customized vehicle that represents who they are. Although lowriding isn’t exclusive to the hispanic community, its distinction is rooted to the Mexican American style of the Pachucismo in the 40’s. Pachucos rise to prominence was due to their opposition of assimilating into the mainstream culture of the time. They had a distinct way of dress along with their low and slow cars that cruised in busy public streets for maximum exposure. The popular vehicles of the time, which contrasts to lowridersRead MoreDifference Between the Maori People and the Kiwis Culture of New Zealand791 Words   |  4 Pagesassignment, I have chosen to research the difference between the Maori people- and the kiwi’s culture. For this, the history of these two people are relevant. The Maori ´s are Polynesian people who first settled in New Zealand. They developed their own distinct culture long before the European colonies arrived in late 1800 ´s. As claimed by storenorskeleksikon.no (snl.no), they probably reached New Zealand in three waves around year 950, 1150 and 1350. The last immigration is the most renowned because theyRead MoreSubculture And Its Impact On Society1426 Words   |  6 Pages Subculture refers to a minority of individuals who adhere to different rules, dress codes and lifestyle choices from mainstream culture. Throughout this essay the traditional definitions of subcultures, that mainly concentrate on class and style as their main features, will be looked at and explained. It will then be demonstrated how these ways of thinking are no longer relevant to the 21st century therefore the term subculture needs to be rethought for it to be an applicable category in theRead MoreSubculture: Prison and Inmates2651 Words   |  11 Pagesthey have been ostracized and segregated as misfits. As criminals, they have nothing to lose and everything to go against. Prisoners follow the ‘inmate code where meanings were mainly circulated throughout the prison through pledges of allegiance, tattoos, racial identities and physical strength over others. This communication was vital as it identified the member with a specific group and provided protection for him. Semiot ic analysis and performance theories on this subculture further reveals theRead MoreThe Museum : The Dali Museum1365 Words   |  6 PagesThe museum I chose to visit was the Dali Museum mainly because I have been wanting to check it out since I first moved down here to Florida three years ago. My sister has always been a huge Salvador Dali fan and even has a tattoo of his painting titled â€Å"The Elephants† on her side. I am looking forward to experiencing more of his paintings other than his most popular works of art. I am also hoping this experience will give me a greater appreciation for him as an artist by seeing the diversity of hisRead MoreSocial, Biological And Cognitive Changes1475 Words   |  6 Pagescross-sex friendships which begin to restructure the clique.During late adolescence, the organized clique structure typically dissolves into associated sets of couples, which then remain the primary social unit into and throughout adulthood. Cliques are different from other types of peer groups often seen in the average school, which are often reputation-based groups such as jocks or nerds. The major difference is that these reputation-based groups do not necessarily interact with each other, whereas members

Do Animals Have Rights Essay - 3736 Words

Do Animals Have Rights Animals are used to test the products that we use in our everyday life. Is it ethical or right to test our products on animals? If animal testing were not used, how would the safety of the products we use be insured? If animals were not used in medical testing, how would researchers come up with new medicines and vaccines? Different people have different opinions about this issue. Arguments abound for both sides. In order to have an organized argument, there must first be an agreed upon standard by which the opposing sides of the arguments are judged. For the argument about the use of animals for laboratory testing, that standard will be the Word of God. â€Å"And God said, ‘Let the land produce living†¦show more content†¦The Bible is clear in its teaching that rulers are supposed to be good stewards of their resources and subjects. This means that when a person is set as a ruler over someone or something else, their duty is to look out for those that they rule. The use of the Bible as a standard shows that the laboratory testing of animals is acceptable when used to save or prolong human life. The organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) defines animal rights as meaning the following: ...that animals deserve certain kinds of consideration - consideration of what is in their own best interests regardless of whether they are cute, useful to humans, or an endangered species and regardless of whether any human cares about them at all (just as a mentally-challenged human has rights even if he or she is not cute or useful or even if everyone dislikes him or her). It means recognizing that animals are not ours to use - for food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation. PETA ONLINE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. PETA separates animal rights from another term animal welfare. Animal welfare is stated as follows by PETA, Animal welfare theories accept that animals have interests but allow these interests to be traded away as long as there are some human benefits that are thought to justify that sacrifice. PETA ONLINE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. PETA believes that animals should have a certain set of rights. However, those rightsShow MoreRelatedDo Animals Have Rights?900 Words   |  4 PagesDo Animals Have Rights? Animals have rights, or at least they should. Animals are not for us to eat, experiments on, wear or abuse in any which way. It is cruel to treat animals like they are not living souls. Animals are not tools that we can use however we want. They too have hearts and brains like us humans. Therefore, animals have all the rights to live their own lives without suffering and free from exploitation (Why). Animal testing is performed for the making of human products. Even afterRead MoreShould Animals Do Not Have Rights?1005 Words   |  5 PagesHumans have always had a relationship with animals. Animals have always been and continues to be a source for food, work, clothing, experiments, and much more. To that, we owe them a great deal of gratitude. There has been much and ongoing debate over whether these practices are morally justified or not. Do non-human animals actually have rights? In this paper, I will argue that animals do not have rights. I will defend my claim by including arguments made by Carl Cohen and I will include possibleRead MoreDo Animals Have Rights...a Philosophical View4001 Words   |  17 PagesDo Animals Have Rights? Should animals be harmed to benefit mankind? This pressing question has been around for at least the past two centuries. During the early nineteenth century, animal experiments emerged as an important method of science and, in fact, marked the birth of experimental physiology and neuroscience as we currently know it. There were, however, guidelines that existed even back then which restricted the conditions of experimentation. These early rules protected the animalsRead MoreDo Animals Have Rights. Animals Are Used To Test The Products3736 Words   |  15 PagesDo Animals Have Rights Animals are used to test the products that we use in our everyday life. Is it ethical or right to test our products on animals? If animal testing were not used, how would the safety of the products we use be insured? If animals were not used in medical testing, how would researchers come up with new medicines and vaccines? Different people have different opinions about this issue. Arguments abound for both sides. In order to have an organized argument, there must first beRead MoreDo Animals Have A Say?: Comparative Analysis of Animal Rights, Human Wrongs and Proud to be Speciecist1188 Words   |  5 Pagesof animal testing for human advantages has always been a debatable topic. It is still undecided whether the use of animals for human benefits is morally right. On the other hand it is scientists and researchers who think that animals are good testing subjects because of various reasons such as preventing harmful products or finding cures to diseases. The two essays â€Å"Animal Rights, Human Wrongs† by Tom Regan and â€Å"Proud to be Speciesist† by Stephen Rose talk about the concerns of animal rights butRead MoreAnimal Rights And Human Rights1627 Words   |  7 Pages Animal rights is a very controversial topic in today’s world. This controversy began back in 1975 when Peter Singer’s novel Animal Liberation was published. In the book, Singer explains the issues we still face at the top of animal protectionism today. Although Singer and his theories enlightened a lot of people of animal protectionism, he actually did not start the animal rights debate. People started questioning the status of animals all the way back to ancient Greece. Some people in these timesRead MoreThe Ethics Of Animal And Animal Rights990 Words   |  4 PagesThe study of good and bad, right and wrong, moral principles or value held by a person or society, promoting human welfare, maximizing freedom minimizing pain and suffering is called ethics. The discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings and also the value and moral status of the environment and its non-human contents is called environmental ethics. It considers the ethical relationshi p between the humans and the environment. Animal and animal rights are the highlighted topic inRead MoreAnimal Rights Essay1091 Words   |  5 PagesAnimal Rights Non-human animals are given rights only because of their interactions with human beings. Without involvement with humans, animals do not deserve rights. It is through this interaction with humans that animals are even given moral consideration. We do not give rights to a rock simply because it is a creation of Mother Nature, similarly non-human animals do not have rights unless it is in regards to humans. As pointed out by Jan Narveson morality is a sort of agreement amongRead MoreAnimal Rights Vs. Legal Fiction1388 Words   |  6 Pages People have always fought for rights. This is proven by history. The United State’s fight for rights, the women’s fight for rights, and the African American’s fight for rights shows us that in the end everybody has the ability to gain rights. But what about those who can not speak for themselves? What of the animals? Many people were once thought of as property, as animals are today. This should be changed, as it has been ma ny times over history. Animals should have certain rights. The main argumentRead MoreAnimal Cruelty Should Not Be A Big Deal1415 Words   |  6 PagesAnimal Cruelty Almesha Jones (Mesha) Introduction and Background All around the world, people are abusing animals. Animal cruelty is a big deal because some people do not look at animals as being important; some people do not see a problem with hurting them. Animal cruelty can be define as being a malicious treatment that can cause undue pain or being mistreated. Seeing an animal get brutalize by some humans seems to be cruel. Getting kicked in the ribs, left for starvation and even used for entertainment

Describe the Importance of Continuing Professional Free Essays

Describe the importance of continuing professional development – Unit 206 – 2. 2 In all professions trends are always changing. Procedures and practices change. We will write a custom essay sample on Describe the Importance of Continuing Professional or any similar topic only for you Order Now Research is always discovering new processes and learning strategies. It is important to stay on top of these changes within your professional field. Continuing professional development raises the standards of your skills set. To always be updating skills and developing knowledge and finding ways to do this is a positive attitude to take, to be successful at what you do and what will set you apart from the rest. In a school it is very important that it takes a keen interest in continuing professional development, it means its standards are likely to be high and would make it more appealing to parents seeking a placement for their child. In education and in the classroom it is important for all staff to be proactive in their own continuing professional development. In order to feel more positive and confident about their profession and to keep motivated and inspired by new ideas. It also means keeping up to date with the latest teaching techniques, regular reviews of procedures and practices, such as first aid and child protection. Most importantly is the benefit to the childrens education, it means they will always be receiving the most up to date and the highest standard of teaching, and using the latest equipment. It is equally important for employers to support and encourage continuing professional development for their staff, providing opportunities for teachers to develop their skills to create a better learning environment, and will enable every teacher and pupil to reach their full potential. How to cite Describe the Importance of Continuing Professional, Papers

Business Capstone Project Collection and Analysis

Question: Discuss about the Business Capstone Project Collection and Analysis. Answer: Introduction: The online gaming is used in workplace to create a recreation among the employees of the organization. It gives the much needed breaks from work (Warmelink 2014). The online gaming helps the employees to keep their mind fresh and work with more attention. This helps the employees to work well and thus increases the productivity in any business (Tu et al. 2015). Most of the companies has adopted this practice of online gaming in workplace to improve the working environment of the workplace and increase the productivity of work from the employees (Kim, Kim and Oh 2014). An outline idea about the effectiveness of online gaming in workplace and its effect in business is presented in this assignment. The method of data collection and the methods of analysis of such data are carried out in this assignment. This assignment would help the concerned authorities to understand the importance of online gaming in workplace and thereby increase this activity for their own good. Literature review: The online games and computer games are very popular from its introduction. The online games were introduced in the late years of the 21st century. Nowadays online gaming is very popular and is liked by people of all age. There are different types of online games found nowadays which help in learning and social and cultural development also (Griffiths and Kuss 2015). The online games are now used by different organizations in the workplace. The playing of games for a few hours helps the employees to keep their mind fresh and give more attention in their work. These games also give the much needed break between the working hours. The online games make the office a better place to work and prevent the work from being hectic and boring (Tsaliki 2016). There are also a lot of advantages of playing online games in office. The games used nowadays helps in learning. The workers learn a lot of social and cognitive skills with the help of these games. One of the most popular games is My Hotel Marriott. The game helps to understand the workers what are the things required to run a hotel effectively (Fryling et al. 2015).This game is very effective learning tool for any business. There are also other games like Word puzzle, math puzzle which help to develop and increase the effectiveness of ones learning skill. The games have different levels like easy, medium and hard. The IQ, learning skill and problem solving ability of the workers are getting improved by playing these games. The online games are also used during giving training to the employees. When a employee as to be promoted to a managerial position from ordinary position, he needs to improve in terms of work efficiency, leadership quality, speaking and listening skills. Proper training needs to be given to the employee for promoting him to the position (Colbert, Yee and George 2016). This training could be given in the form of online games. The quiz and word puzzle games will help to develop the learning and speaking ability of the employee. The games also teach many social values like sportsman spirit, patience and others that are really needed for work (Hussain, Griffiths and Baguley 2012). The best advantage of using the online games is that it is less costly and easily available. The online games also require less space. They are very good form of recreation in the workplace (Hellstrm 2013). The games also have some bad effects along with all these good effects. Sometimes the workers become addicted to these sorts of games. The online games are also being criticized at many places as a matter of wasting time. The addiction of the games sometimes makes less efficient for the workers to work. The worker then spends more time in playing the games and less time in work. Thereby the production of work from the employers is decreased (Cote 2015). Therefore, the online games have both good effects as well as bad effects. The good effects are that it improves efficiency of the employees, helps in developing various skills and social values. This also gives recreation to the employees and makes the workplace a fun place to work. The bad effects of online gaming are that many employees becomes addicted to the online gaming. The games are for improving the productivity form the employees. But in turn it decreases the productivity(Griffiths and Kuss 2015). Therefore, the time of playing games has to be controlled by the management. The employees should be given some fixed hours during the day when he could play the games. This will benefit both the workers as well as the employers. The productivity of the companies will be improved through using online games in workplace. Problem statement: The problem statement in this research work is to find out the effect of online gaming in the workplace activity. Research questions: There are lot of factors and problems in research industry. The main research questions asked in this topic are: What are the changes brought about after the introduction of online gaming in workplace activity? What is the feedback of the employee about the online games in workplace? Do these online games really help the employee to concentrate in their work? In which type of industry online gaming most widely practiced? Which online games is most popular? What is the basic reason behind the introduction of online games according to the employers and the companies? Research hypotheses: The hypotheses involved in this research are: H0: The introduction of online gaming has not brought about any changes in the productivity from the workers. H1: The introduction of online gaming has brought about change in the productivity in business from the workers. Research methodologies: The research methodologies include the methods by which data are collected for doing the research. The data used for this research is mainly of primary type. The data are collected with the help of questionnaire. The questionnaire is given to the people employed in different companies. The questionnaire asked questions related to online gaming. The opinions of the workers about the introduction of online gaming, the nature of work place environment were asked with the help of questionnaire. The data is collected by the method of stratified sampling. The companies where online gamings are used are of different types small, medium and large. The strata are made on the basis of size of the company. The data are then collected by selecting a few organizations from each of these strata. Gantt chart: Week 1 Week 2 Week 6 Week 13 Week 14 Introduction Literature review Data collection Data Analysis Expected outcome Table 1: Gantt chart of the research (Source: created by author) Research process: The research process includes the way in which the entire research is to be conducted. There are many steps in doing a research. The first step is to collect the data. The data for this research work is mainly of primary type. The data is collected with the help of a research questionnaire. The questionnaire contains questions about the average wage of each employee, the working hours of the employee, the workload pressure of the employee, the opinion of the employees regarding introduction of online gaming, the workplace environment and others. The objective of doing this research is to understand the effectiveness of online gaming in workplace and improvement of the workers by the introduction of online gaming. Data collection: The data collected for the research is primary data. The data is collected by the help of stratified sampling. The different company where online gaming is practiced is divided into many strata according to size. The sizes are mainly determined based on revenues generated by the companies. Then data is collected from a few selected companies from each of the strata. The data has been collected by sending the questionnaire by online mail to the employers of the organization. More or less the entire country has to be covered in order to get proper estimates from the data. Data analysis: The data so collected can be analyzed with the help of different data analysis tools like descriptive statistics measures. The mean, median values of central tendency can be calculated to get an idea about the average figures. A regression study can also be done in order to know the opinion of the workers about online gaming. The outcome of the introduction of online gaming is to improve the productivity from the workers. Therefore a regression study can be conducted by taking the opinion of workers about the process, workplace environment and others as dependent variables and the productivity from workers as dependent variable. Expected research outcome: The measures of descriptive statistics will help to reveal the opinion of the workers about online gaming. The regression study will help to understand whether there is any effect in the productivity form workers by the introduction of online gaming. The significant value of the regression coefficient will indicate that the online gaming has an influence in production. Conclusion: In this assignment, the effectiveness of using online games in the workplace is being studied. The description of the methods of data collection and analysis of the data are given in the assignment. The possible interpretation of the results of analysis is also given in this assignment. The assignment aims to find out the growing trend of using online games in the workplace for the betterment of workplace culture. The assignment also gives an idea about the good and bad effects of the online gaming in workplace. This assignment will help the concerned organizations to have a deeper look into the matter of online gaming in workplace and introduce this process to improve productivity of the business. References: Tsaliki, L., 2016. Revisiting the Sexualization-of-Young-Girls Debate, Case Study Two: Self-Presentation in Girls Dress-Up and Make-Over Online Gaming Practices in Greece. In Children and the Politics of Sexuality (pp. 165-207). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Fryling, M., Cotler, J., Mathews, L. and Pratico, S., 2015. Cyberbullying or Normal Game Play? Impact of age, gender, and experience on cyberbullying in multi-player online gaming environments: Perceptions from one gaming forum. Journal of Information Systems Applied Research. Colbert, A., Yee, N. and George, G., 2016. The Digital Workforce and the Workplace of the Future. Academy of Management Journal, 59(3), pp.731-739. Hussain, Z., Griffiths, M.D. and Baguley, T., 2012. Online gaming addiction: Classification, prediction and associated risk factors. Addiction Research Theory, 20(5), pp.359-371. Hellstrm, C., 2013. Online gaming in relation to negative consequences and ill health among adolescents. Cote, A.C., 2015. I Can Defend Myself Womens Strategies for Coping With Harassment While Gaming Online. Games and Culture, p.1555412015587603. Griffiths, M.D. and Kuss, D.J., 2015. Online Addictions Gambling, Video Gaming, and Social Networking. The Handbook of the Psychology of Communication Technology, 32, p.384. Kim, Y.Y., Kim, M.H. and Oh, S., 2014. Emerging factors affecting the continuance of online gaming: the roles of bridging and bonding social factors. Cluster Computing, 17(3), pp.849-859. Tu, C.H., Yen, C.J., Sujo-Montes, L. and Roberts, G.A., 2015. Gaming personality and game dynamics in online discussion instructions. Educational Media International, 52(3), pp.155-172. Warmelink, H., 2014. Online gaming and playful organization. Routledge.

Mobile Social Networks and Social Practice A Case Study of Dodgeball

The world is so complex, no one can possibly understand it. Agree or disagree

The world is so complex, no one can possibly understand it. Agree or disagree Nowadays, the world population is about 7 billion people and predicts that this figure will continue to grow rapidly in the next several years. While overpopulation, society must focus to human development, this leads to many negative consequences, including making the world more complicated. As a child, people have thought very simple but when they get older, they think all the more complicated. Likewise, for the poor, everything is simple but for the rich, everything is more complicated.Peppers Butternut squash tomato onions garlic dinn...In fact, this world is simply but the human heart is complicated. Ultimately, the human heart is simply, because there are so dominant benefit humans become more complex. For example, the political situation in many countries is now very unstable. There are many protests for multi-party government occurs in Thailand, many terrorist attacks or suicide bombings in the Middle East. Moreover, stress on the nuclear issue between the U.S. and North Kore a is interested.Furthermore, each person has a different preference. Therefore, today's developing technology to serve the purpose of each one. I hear many people say that they want a simpler life, but they make it simple as well as understand it, they make it more complicated. Many people believe that technology will help make things simpler so they constantly evolving technology. However, there is a truth they do not know that they are driven and controlled...

Analyzing three poems by three different poets Assignment

Analyzing three poems by three different poets - Assignment Example The mother is sad because of her failure to execute her roles effectively as a mother. Brooks portrays a feeling of remorse, longing sadness, and incomplete destinies that the mother had hoped to achieve. In the third line of the poem’s second stanza the mother is sad because she cannot breastfeed the babies since they are dead.There is a sense of guilt and resentment for aborting the babies. The mother also expresses sorrow and justifiable reasons as if yearning for forgiveness. In the last lines, the poem vividly portrays mother’s love for her aborted children. The mother shows deep love for the aborted infants even though she knew them only for a short while. Therefore, the mother used depicts deep emotions for her children yet she aborted them. She is sentimental and sensitive and at the same time heartless because she aborted her babies. The poem has a smooth flow and vividly elucidates the events occurring in a straightforward manner. The poet used short lines with abortion personification employed as exhibited in the first line of the poem. Gwendolyn uses imagery style in the third line of the first stanza of her poem, she cites a mother referring to her aborted babies as damp small pulps. Therefore, the image of the aborted babies vividly displays in the readers’ mind. Imagery, death and feelings in the poem are concrete as they serve their roles for usage effectively. The mother is a symbolic representation of real life women and their actions plus associated consequences. Therefore, the poem plays a crucial role of warning women who opt to commit abortion. Structure -wise, the poem has a regular rhyme scheme, which the poet properly portrays especially in the first stanza. However, it is inconsistent and is majorly end-rhyme. Gwendolyn also employs the use of repetition for emphasis as well as contributing to

United States trade conflict with China Term Paper

United States trade conflict with China - Term Paper Example The U.S. Chinese trade is in great favor of China. The continued trade war between the countries is unhealthy not only for the two nations, but also to the world economy. China cannot be ignored as an economic powerhouse.The international relation between the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America is often referred to as Sino-American relations. Since the beginning of the cold war to date, the relation between the two countries has been pretty cyclical. In fact, many analysts find the relationship not only complex, but also multi-faceted. The two countries cannot be considered enemies by any standards, but yoking them as allies could also be questioned. For a long time, the two countries have had a stable relationship. However, this relationship is threatened by competition and trade policies that have continued to stir controversy. The United States and China have the largest economies in the world. Therefore, any tension between them spills over to other countries and regions consequently affecting the entire world. China has the world’s largest population, while the United States has the world’s largest economy. This makes the two countries to be the largest trading partners in the world. Moreover, the bilateral relationship qualifies to be the most essential one in the 21st century. The two countries are the world’s economic giants and their united efforts towards attaining world peace and economic stability can yield unimaginable results. Amidst the trade tensions, the United States and China have a common stand in many fronts... For instance, while other economists think the United States benefit more from its trade with China and imposing taxes on Chinese products is unjustified, others think the trade has destroyed the United States and its high time the United States took a bold step towards saving its local businesses and citizens from Chinese firms. According to Feigenbaum, the Sino-American trade wars will not end soon. However, the wars will be broadly manageable (Feigenbaum). Schuman, The Time business reporter, takes a rather interesting approach to the issue. He holds that resolving the war between the United States’ government and China will not be an easy one (Schuman). He cites the reluctance of both governments to drop their demands as the major hindrance to striking a consensus. Both governments, for instance, insist on fulfilling public demands, which have been a hindrance to a smooth trade. While the United States insist on preserving local jobs, the Chinese government is interested i n finding market for locally produced products and an avenue for investment. A research by the Queensland University Staff on the probable effects of the United States’ regulation of Chinese imports favored the introduction of strict measures to control Chinese imports (126). The research concluded that setting such measures was inevitable and would be to the advantage of the United States government (126). It further stated that the United States â€Å"pressure should continue† (Queensland University Staff, 126). A sour trade relation between the United States and China is evidently destructive. All the countries stand to lose. The world’s economy is already threatened by this unhealthy competition and rivalry, and it could even get worse. If not resolved, the rivalry will result in

Causal argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Causal argument - Essay Example eater prevalence for an individual with a biological sister or mother who suffers from an eating disorder developing the disorder, signifying a possible genetic link. Furthermore, researches in the field of human twins portray a genetic association of anorexia. Nevertheless, until now there has not been any explanation as to the role of genetics in the causes of anorexia. However, it has been discovered an area on chromosome 1 which appears to be connected with an increased vulnerability to anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is understood to be genetic, with projected inheritance rates varying from 56% to 84% (Kortegaard et al 361–365). There is also a high probability that some people have a genetic propensity toward thoroughness, sensitivity, and perseverance, all traits associated with anorexia. In addition, one of the brain chemicals known as serotonin involved in depression may play a role in development of anorexia (Watson 20-54). Environmental and socio-cultural studies have decorated the role of cultural factors, such as the endorsement of thinness as the supreme female shape in European developed nations, particularly through the media. The media is mainly defined with images and advertisement of thin celebrities, models, and superstars. This has had great impact since in the modern society success is always associated with being thin. It is also highly likely that peer pressure may influence the longing to be slim, particularly in youthful women. Moreover, populace in professions such as dancers and models which put emphasis on slim shape there is a particular social pressure to be thin are much more likely to develop anorexia at some stage in the path of their career. There has also been an obsession among teenage girls to be overly anxious about their weight and deem those slim to be better looking amongst their peers and thus have tendency to practice weight-control behaviors leading to anorexia. Furthermore, women have developed the hype to consume

Female Versus Male Homosexuality In Romantic Literature English Literature Essay

Female Versus Male Homosexuality In Romantic Literature English Literature Essay In Romantic poetry, there is a distinct disparity in the representation of male and female homoeroticism. Male homosexual poetry generally constitutes an intricate synthesis of personal feeling and Hellenistic-like homosocial tradition. Female homoerotic portrayals, however, are typically torn between either a sexually sublimed romantic friend ideal or a voyeuristic heterosexual male fantasy pervaded with panic induced by female sexuality. In other words, explicitly lesbian poetry undergoes heterosexualization that dilutes, and in some cases entirely overturns, any liberating potential the poem would otherwise possess. Moreover, while gay male narratives are often privileged within mythologized Hellenistic context and therein become purified and legitimized, lesbian poetry is denied access to a parallel Sapphic tradition. Thus, lesbians become de-Hellenised in Romantic poetry, alienating the reader from a positive tradition of female homoerotica. In To Lady Eleanor Butler and the Honourable Miss Ponsonby Wordsworth writes of the scandalous and infamous romantic friendship of the Ladies of Llangollen, two women who ran away from conventional marriage pressures and started a life together. The poem is saturated with a sense of close friendship and kinship without being blatantly sexual, and this deters reading the poem as a male fantasy. It seemingly advocates the security of the women, but neglects to portray the reality of the relationship as sexual. This reflects the general view of such relationships in the period: female pairs might, if they maintained a faà §ade of genteel respectability, be acclaimed, after the fashion of the day, as idealised romantic friends(483). Accordingly, the relationship between the Lady Eleanor and Miss Ponsonby is described primarily through euphemism and code. For example, Wordsworth describes the womens house as a Vale of Friendship(10) for the sisters in love(13). This conscious use of deli cately-worded expression and naming of the vale acts as a sort of cipher in the poem; it uses a platonic term like friendship in naming the location, suggesting that friendship is what exists there, but then uses a kinship term to describe what the reader familiar with the story knows is not real; the women are not, in fact sisters. Therefore, for them to be in love, the reader infers a similar hint that there is nothing sisterly about the love. Wordsworths construction of space in the poem also significantly influences its portrayal of the lesbian relationship. By addressing the ladies together in the title and referencing the vale, he creates a well-defined spatial framework in which this poem operates. He connects the space with nature and therefore keeps it in line with Romantic tradition: In Natures face the expression of repose(4). More than this, however, he illustrates this space as being a rare refuge for expression of lesbian desire, such that the ladies love can be allowed to climb . . . above the reach of time'(13). Therefore, the poem essentially addresses its own homophobic theme and by designing safe space for the lesbian lifestyle, it also draws attention to the dangerousness of it. In Christabel and Geraldine (lines 236-277 from Christabel), Samuel Taylor Coleridge designs a representation of female homoerotics that is, in many ways, different from Wordsworths. Outwardly, the lines are an empathetic exploration of tortured and repressed lesbian desire through the arrangement of Christabel and Geraldine as lovers. However, it is important to note that this reading can never go beyond compassion due to the omnipresent male presence. This presence, if the reader is to understand it as being Coleridge himself- that is, a heterosexual and very probably homophobic male(#)- therefore influences the readers analysis of lesbian desire in the poem. Accounting for the male persona, two potentially contradictory moods coexist in the poem-heteronormative panic and male voyeuristic fanstasy. The physical descriptions of Christabel and Geraldine act to deconstruct, and thus objectify, the women by mentioning their body parts: Her gentle limbs(stanza 20), her lids(stanza 21), her elbow(stanza 21) and ultimately, her breast(stanza 21). Obviously absent from these bodily descriptions is any mention of female genitalia, a conscious avoidance on Coleridges part; he wishes to circumvent the mention of phallic-barren sexual satisfaction of the lesbian couple. Since the poem is ultimately governed by a male persona, lesbian sex cannot exist as a valid coital act; a focus on parts of the female anatomy that are traditionally and acceptably sexualized like limbs and breasts without mentioning the genitalia maintains the idea that true sexual intercourse is between a man and a woman. Accompanying this denial of implied true sexual satisfaction are descriptions of mental and physical anguish. Christabels brain is described as one of weal and woe (stanza 21) while Geraldine describes the mark of [her] shame, this seal of [her] sorrow(stanza 23). Depicting lesbians as tormented may serve several purposes. In one sense, Geraldines declaration of shame indicates indicative self-hatred, reflecting the contemporary belief that those who engaged in homosexual activity are constantly aware of their insolent perverseness and therefore more likely to continue to self-harm. This punishes lesbian sexual interaction and therefore shields consequent male arousal in the form of acceptable persecution. Furthermore, Geraldine communicates a sense of frustration when she says to Christabel: But vainly thou warrest, For this is alone in Thy power to declare, That in the dim forest Thou heardst a low moaning, And foundst a bright lady, surpassingly fair: And didst bring her home with thee, in love and in charity, To shield her and shelter her from the damp air. (stanza 23) Geraldine expresses contempt that Christabel sought her out merely under the pretenses of platonic assistance, and that lesbian sexual interaction had not been the primary motivation, implying that sexual acts between women are inherently secondary to heterosexual sex. Despite the apparent conflict of the representation of female homoerotic activity in Wordsworths and Coleridges poems, there are key similarities that provide understanding into Romantic homoeroticism. For example, though lesbian desire in the poems is treated differently, both poets use the natural world as a conceptual framework for their particular representations of female homoerotics. While Wordsworth uses nature as a space in which lesbian desire is safely expressed, Coleridge uses the dim forest to essentially neutralize female sexuality and set Christabels pursuit of Geraldine explicitly as non-erotic motive. The poems also share the presence of a male presence which, in both cases, biases them, a characteristic that is ironic given the female-centered content. Although the male presence may not explicitly attempt to negatively represent female sexual relationships, female homosexuality becomes disemboldened and portrayed as less legitimate as a result. Contrary to female homoeroticism, there is a distinct freedom in the portrayal of male homoerotics in two poems The Cornelian and the To Eddleston (from Childe Harolds Pilgrimage, stanzas 95-96). These poems are about Byrons relationship with a choirboy named Eddleston, written years apart, and though the former shares similarities with the sexual vagueness of Wordsworths poem, it, unlike the other, is allowed to be reflected in Greek Love and the Hellenistic tradition. The Cornelian references specifically Greek pederastic tradition. One example of this is the use of the term pledge, a traditional Athenian approach to pederastic relationships. This allows the subject matter an known association with homosexuality, though to further ensure social acceptability, Byron does not focus explicitly on physical or sexual attraction between the two men. In fact, this early homoerotic poem in Byrons repertoire models a conservative euphemistic approach in the portrayal of its content much lik e Wordsworths poem. The only real capability of a sexual encounter between the Byron and Eddleston occurs in a safe pastoral setting where lovers can isolate themselves from the disapproving society: But he, who seeks the flowers of truth/Must quit the garden for the field. PEDERASTIC POWER STRUCTURE. which is characterized by a disparity in desire, To Eddleston, however, composed years after The Cornelian, is more explicit in its homosexual relationship between Eddleston and Byron. In it, Byron avoids euphemism and sublimation into friendship, such as that which occurs in Wordsworths To lady Eleanor Butlerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. A comparison of the titles themselves begins to describe the difference in the poems. In The Cornelian, the content centers on a cornelian stone given to Byron by Eddleston around which Byron can employ Hellenistic structure. In To Eddleston, however, Byron focuses explicitly on his personal feelings regarding the death of Eddleston. While the first poem most easily implies friendship, the second poem describes Byrons lover as being now, more than friend. In contrast to a pederastic power structure, the power relationship in To Eddleston is implied to be more balanced between the two men. The most significant difference between the two poems, however, is the degradation of the boundary between homoerotic and the homosocial with differences in imagery. While this poem reflects notions of ideal love between men it also problematises this ideal through its use of sadomasochistic imagery. The 96th stanza is characterised by the use of violent metaphor. Byron describes himself as being pierced by arrows, an image that invokes both notions of romantic love through the tradition of Eros and also sadomasochistic penetration by the phallus in the tradition of Saint Sebastian, thus sexualizing the wounded male body. Thus, in what may be viewed as a tame evolution of the Hellenistic tradition represented in The Cornelian, Byron uses To Eddleston to express both the emotional and sexual relationship between he and Eddleston. The starkest difference between Wordsworth and Coleridges lesbian poetry and Byrons male homosexual poetry is that the representation of homoerotics is directly informed by the Byrons personal experience. His poems about male homosexuality are framed by the male presence of an author who is, himself, a character in the poetry, distinguishing these poems from the heterosexual voyeurism explored in the analysis of the lesbian poems. Byron has the freedom to approach homoerotic material with more sensitivity and nuance without objectifying the sexual and emotional attraction between the two lovers. Furthermore, the manner in which female and male depictions of homoeroticism explore Greek homosexual tradition is greatly inhibited by male writers of lesbian poetry verses male writers of male homosexual poetry. Byron utilizes a particular version of Greek mythology to portray and legitimize male homosexuality; in contrast, the women of Romantic poetry are denied access to Sapphic mythology and thus their Greek homosexual tradition. Though Romantic poetry does address the issue of same-sex love, it approaches male and female homosexuality in contrasting ways. Through the construction of lesbian desire in Coleridge and Wordsworth, the reader is positioned to read the narrative through a decidedly heterosexual discursive framework. Thus, female homoerotics must become either sublimated to a romantic and desexualized ideal or degenerate into male voyeurism characterized by ambivalent heterosexual fantasy and phallocentric panic. These disparities in construction are summarized in the way in which the concept of Greek Love is incorporated into the homosexual narratives of Romantic poetry. Hellenistic homoeroticism it remains important to Byrons justification of homosexual tradition and forms an integral element of his construction of homoerotics. Contrastingly, female homoerotics are decontextualized and through the denial of a specifically lesbian tradition, become demonized.

Importance of Nothing in Shakespeares King Lear Essay examples -- Kin

Importance of Nothing in William Shakespeare's King Lear    The Tragedy of King Lear has many important themes. One major theme concerns "nothing." The main focus around the discussion of "nothing" is that "nothing" is a many things. Nothing is what binds everything. The first mention of "nothing" is when King Lear asks his daughters to profess how much they love him. The eldest daughters shower compliments upon him tickling his ears. Yet the Lear's favorite daughter Cordelia will only speak the truth. When asked what she can say to gain her a portion of land better than her sisters, she replies, "Nothing, my Lord" (1.1. ) He exclaims, "Nothing!" (1.1. ) and she responds, "Nothing" (1.1. ). Lear's answers, "Nothing will come of nothing" (1.1. ) As he voices this, he has made something of nothing. Lear takes offense in a true and honest answer. Cordelia's "nothing" will blossom into something tremendous. This is the cause of Kent's banishment and her hasty marriage to the Prince of France. In 1.4, the Fool rattles off a teaching to Lear. Kent (in disguise) says his spee...

Comparing”Cask of Amontillado” with “The Rats in the walls”

Compare the narrator in Poe's â€Å"Cask of Amontillado† with the narrator of â€Å"The Rats in the walls.† The style and mode of narration in any story determines how appealing a narrator becomes to his or her readers. Additionally, this has much to do with the size of readership that the narrator garners. It is worthwhile that a narrator chooses a narration style that reflects the context of the story, captivating and which gets the reader engaged and involved throughout the narration. This narration will have significant implications for the reviews as well as comments that the reader will make which translate to more or fewer people seeking to read the narrators story. The narrators in â€Å"Cask of Amontillado† and â€Å"The Rats in the Walls† share much in common about their styles, approaches, themes, and appeal to the reader although they differ substantially in some respects. â€Å"Rats in the Walls† is narrated by the last survivor of Delapore family who moves from Massachusetts to his ancestral homeland, Exham Priory in England. On multiple instances, the Delapore and his cats hear the scurrying sounds of rats behind the ways and upon investigation find a city below the subcellar of his home, which has existed for centuries and the dwellers of this underground city fed on human flesh (Lovecraft 4). The narrator in â€Å"The cask of Amontillado† is Montresor, seemingly a gentleman, but in reality, a vindictive and vengeance filled person. (Poe 1). Montresor commits a murder and is unrepentant and guiltless of his deed because he thinks that all, he did and does is right. Most of the time, Montresor is dedicated to his viewpoint which is quite cold, vengeful, brutal, and conniving. He lures his friend, Fortunato, to tunnels and tombs underground, drugs him and locks him in chains, walls him and leaves him in his position to die slowly (Poe 5). Montresor and Delapore exhibit a great deal of quality in their narration style. The tales are given from their points of view and involve crimes, and horrendous acts that get the reader aroused and somewhat scared. They keep a great deal of suspense to maintain the reader and ensure he or she follows to the end. Both narrators, however, could be questioned regarding reliability although they have various levels of any security that could be noted (Lovecraft 8).They seem to have some mental problems which make them act in ways unnatural and do things that would naturally be abominable to sane people. The fact that we have difficulties trusting the narrators question their reliability. Montresor, first, tells the story of the crime he commits fifty years later saying that he was never caught for this. Now, trusting someone telling things that happened many years ago can be difficult because in many cases, things surface a short time after they have been done. Confessions are made, or details unveiled not very long after. Walling his friend and leaving him to die with little to no remorse characteristically defines the possibility of soundness implying that he could probably not be entirely sane. This could make him be considered unreliable (Poe 8). Delapore, similarly, exhibits a high level of unreliability. He presents the story in a way that the things happen in the supernatural realm. This elicits fiction rather than reality, and the details raise many questions because few readers would be accustomed to the nature of things that unfold throughout the narration. Eating human flesh would be an act expected of animals or an unbalanced mind. There is an element of mental issue with the narrator, and this would make him unreliable (Lovecraft 10). Constant sounds of rats in the walls which are never found raise questions as to whether substantial evidence can be gathered to support the points raised in the narration. The default the tone by the narrators is one that conveys abject panic, fear, and impending doom. The mood they employ precedes or supersedes events which could reasonably justify it. Mostly, they share much in common in the narration technics, emotions, feelings, and atmospheres. However, they also differ in some ways. Delapore narrates in a setting of a family background rich in mystic scenarios. This is evident in the declaration of the finding of bones in the underground of the Priory(Lovecraft 14). Montresor narrates from a setting of being insulated which leads him to revenge (Poe 1). The motivations behind the narration are entirely different Delapore is motivated by the desire to unravel a family background which influenced him to act and behave in the way he did. Montresor is affected by the desire to resolve the dampness of his surroundings which exert pressure on him to react in a manner to repay for what has been done against him. The levels of the unreliability of the stories also differ. Delapore is somewhat fictitious in his narration and to some extent narrates from an insane person. Delapore is profoundly unreliable because the details are hard to prove in the real world from which the readers view the content of the narration (Lovecraft 16). Montresor can be termed unreliable, but the extent is not as deep because there are actual details which offer significant proof of turn of events with a human element. While for the most part, he remains unrepentant and self-justifying of the crime he commits, there is a portion where he notes his heart grew sick after he had only a brick left to seal Fortunato forever. However, he withdraws from guilty and accuses his surroundings instead. The narration is better regarding reliability as compared to Delapore. The narrative by Montresor is mostly a revenge mission which happens in the real world giving greater credit to the details (Poe 14). For Delapore, the narration based on the occult is something that questions the credibility and reliability of the details. Overall, however, there is much held in common with a few differences inherent for the narrators the nature of narration and story details. Works citedLovecraft, Howard Phillips. The Rats in the Walls. New York: WS via Publish Drive, 2018. PrintPoe, Edgar Allan.  The Cask of Amontillado. Publisher Not Identified, 2016.

Marketing Plan for All4Skills

Marketing Plan for All4Skills Executive Summary All4Skills is a tax-exempt and non-profit making organization that provides the local community with sporting and life skill programs for youths. All4Skills offers its services to participants ranging from kindergarten, middle primary, and high school. Services provided include positive learning, life skills, and awareness programs for educating the youth on drugs and HIV/AIDS.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Marketing Plan for All4Skills specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As an organization built on the fundamentals of growing an informed set of youth who will take the community to the next stage, we pride in unlocking the potentials of the young people. To carry out this task, All4Skills intends to place itself as a premier provider of affordable sports experiences and to make these experiences available for all youths. To meet its goals, All4Skills will design a series of strategic partnership s with both governmental and non-governmental organizations with similar aspirations. Fundraising activities are our core form of outsourcing funds to navigate through our set goals. To carry out this strategy, it shall set up a Fund Foundation (FF) and formidable fund management approaches. Since its start in 2008, All4Skills has made tremendous progress in many ways. Firstly, the number of participating youths rose by 75% from 2008 to realize 2000 actively involved youths. Secondly, school progress reports indicate that youths have improved their personality and behavior. The organization has put in place mechanisms to for quality and integrity of its programs. In evaluating the impact of the program, community surveys conducted show that school deviance in schools has much reduced. Additionally, literacy levels for both school going and non-schooled children have risen in the last two years of its service. Scholarship programs because of improved talent in sports, and general ski lls have been imperative steps in achieving progress. Currently, major challenges face All4Skills and future presents overwhelming tasks. These include the influence of alternative programs, lack of adequate volunteers, constrained educational and training resources, changes in property tax policies, and facility requirements. Although the challenges are inevitable, the management board, staff, and the volunteers continue to give quality experiences to the youth in an efficient way. Situation Analysis Youths need to get access to affordable programs that benefit them socially, mentally, and spiritually. In utilizing these services, youths can gain from attributes developed afterwards. Numerous studies reveal that youth involvement in active sports positively develops them physically and mentally. Engagement in active physical activities cushions a person against diseases such as obesity and hypertension.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many studies show a significant correlation between physical fitness and reduced juvenile crimes, drug use among other defiant behaviors. Research is abundant with evidence that investment in the lives of children in a constructive way reduces the social and law administration costs. This significant evidence continues to prove the importance our activities. Market Summary U4sillks offers relevant social and team experiences to community youths in private, public, and home-schools. The experiences provide quality recreation and improvement of sporting skills, health and fitness. Furthermore, we offer programs that develop teamwork, fair play, and leadership. One of the intangible benefits accessible to its participants is gaining self-confidence and esteem (Godwin, 1998). Marketing Strategy All4Skills focuses on three basic areas in achieving success with the available resources to our program. All4Skills provides an equal opportunity for all youth to take part in the program. U4Skills provides a value-oriented and safe atmosphere in which the participating youths gain skills in sportsmanship, teamwork, and interactive life skills. A wide variety of sports experiences to develop personal confidence and self-esteem. Strategies employed to achieve our goals include program expansion through market penetration and diversification. Program expansion through market penetration The first tactic shall involve conducting aggressive school campaigns within the target area with an intention to increase the number of users benefiting from the program (Godwin, 1998). This strategy shall increase the cash reserves and assist to improve the quality. The second tactic will involve the following action plans: All4Skills shall conduct presentations in various schools to create awareness with an aim to mobilize their participation. Facilitating sports activities by awarding talented youths. Speci al needs partial sponsorship program with support from donor funds. Diversification Strategies involved will target both current and future programs to meet organizational goals. Additionally, new users shall enroll in the process to widen our target portfolio. Future programs actions adopted by All4Skills include the following:Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Marketing Plan for All4Skills specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More All4Skills shall change the existing programs to improve its quality provision to participants. All4Skills shall strategically design programs with an aim of expanding the target as well as program portfolio. increase the number of persons who benefit from the services. dropping programs that are non-beneficial Strategy planning Matrix The organization will use matrix below to formulate its strategies. Derivation of the programs depends on the target populations, risk level, and costs. Current /Existing program Future program Existing Users Expanding programs to the current or same users Providing better quality services interventions through program improvement. New Users Availing benefits to new users New forms of interventions to new users Some of the growth strategies that the organization intends to use shall include market penetration, product development, market development, and diversification (Kotler Andreasen, 2003). Partnership with other organizations is fundamental in achieving our strategic goals. Generation of strategies will follow immediately after the choice of decisions. Cost-Benefit Analysis It is a technique used to decide which alternatives are likely to yield the greatest returns on more funds investment. It is also known as cost effectiveness analysis to set up the investment activities or programs which when undertaken, would give the most service outcome (Kotler Andreasen, 2003). The program strategic growth shall expend its rese rves to give quality services and later yield more fees. The program prospects to cost the organization about $100,000 from its activities for the next one year. Cost elements relevant to this spending are from the strategic activities mentioned earlier. This process would in turn benefit our organization through extra fees to the tune of $65,000. We project that our partnerships and linkages with the external organizations and donor will generate about $105,000. The net expected benefits for the coming year are $70,000. However, the organization shall gain many non-quantifiable benefits, which include the following: increased satisfaction of its participants improved organizational or corporate reputation gained from its activities. increased participants’ self-worth and esteem Increased social competence and life skills Increased awareness of the community Increased service portfolio Forecasting for All4Skills It is a technique used for estimating future elements of a bus iness or operations. It is an important process since it gives a representative picture of how future operations of an organization to allow preliminary planning (Kotler Andreasen, 2003). All4Skills expect a hopeful future and it shall use forecasting techniques to gain insight of its future development. The success of any operation or organization depends on how efficient its management can forecast its future and design relevant strategies to discuss the likely future scenarios (McDonald Wilson, 2011).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this process, the organization shall make good use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to forecasting. Qualitative approaches are methods used by experts to generate forecasts especially where no historical data is present (Luther, 2011). Additionally, changes in conditions affecting business operations may give such historical data obsolete and irrelevant in making future forecasts. Under this group, All4Skills shall use the approach of scenario writing as a qualitative method. On the other hand, quantitative methods are useful in establishing future elements of a business based on analysis of historical data. Scenario Writing The forecaster begins from a set of assumptions to develop realistic situations in this method. The process will benefit from a derivation of organizational scenario based on a given set of conditions (McLeish, 2010). In this process, the forecaster shall encounter many scenarios from which decision makers will select the most likely that appli es to its operations. Time series using projection of trend The technique relies on the underlying long-term patterns of observations to arrive at future values. The growth in the number of participants is a critical element that measures the progress of All4Skills since its aim is to grow a large set of skilled youth within its area of operation. Historical data show the trend in growth over time. Based on this trend, the organization can figure with some degree of certainty how the picture would be in the future (Allison Kaye, 2005) and (McDonald Wilson, 2011). Conclusion All4Skills focuses on bettering the lives of youths through training in sportsmanship, life skills, leadership, and co-operation. The program has succeeded in many ways since 2008, and records show growth of 75% in membership. The organization attributes these successes to its strategic partnerships, highly skilled staff, government support, and community involvement. Development of youths through nurturing of talent remains the driving force of our organization. Community surveys have shown that the All4Skills has positively influenced the lives of many youths both directly and indirectly. Participating youths who have remained actively involved to the program have shown positive development in respect of self-confidence, esteem and talent growth. Behavior change among these youths is clear from progress reports maintained from foster schools attended by these youths. The organization anticipates delivering quality service for participants and diversification into many related programs, to help its target population wholesomely. Our target is to improve our service delivery and increase the number of participating youths for the next activity year. Additionally, we project to expand our service portfolio through extensive marketing with an aim of increasing fees. Our core emphasis is to differentiate our services from the rest of the market players and creating appropriate public relatio ns programs. The organization uses the cost benefit analysis to measure the real outcome against the expenses. The analysis evaluates both quantifiable and non-quantifiable benefits to both the organization and the youths. Therefore, application of quantitative and qualitative techniques assists in forecasting of the future progress. References Allison, M. J., Kaye, J. (2005). Strategic planning for nonprofit organizations: a practical guide and workbook. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Godwin, T. M. (1998). Peer Justice and Youth Empowerment: An Implementation Guide for Teen Court Programs. New York, NY: DIANE Publishing. Kotler, P., Andreasen, A. R. (2003). Strategic Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations. New York, NY: Prentice Hall. Luther, M. W. (2011). The Marketing Plan: How to Prepare and Implement It. New York, NY: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. McDonald, M., Wilson, H. (2011). Marketing Plans: How to Prepare Them, How to Use Them. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Mc Leish, B. J. (2010). Successful Marketing Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations: Winning in the Age of the Elusive Donor. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons.

San Francisco State - SAT Scores and Admissions Data

San Francisco State - SAT Scores and Admissions Data San Francisco State University Admissions Overview: As part of the application, students will need to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. While the majority of applicants submit SAT scores, the university accepts both equally. For more information, check out the schools website or contact the admissions office. Will You Get In? Calculate Your Chances of Getting In  with this free tool from Cappex Admissions Data (2016): San Francisco State University Acceptance Rate: 68%SF State GPA, SAT and ACT Score GraphTest Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 430 / 540SAT Math: 430 / 550SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanCompare Cal State SAT ScoresACT Composite: 18 / 24ACT English: 16  / 24ACT Math: 17 / 24What these ACT numbers meanCompare Cal State ACT Scores San Francisco State Description: Founded in 1899, San Francisco State University takes pride in the diversity of its student body. 67% of undergraduates are students of color. Students come from 94 countries, and the school enrolls more international students than any other masters degree-granting university in the U.S. San Francisco State offers 115 bachelors and 95 masters programs. The 142-acre urban campus gives students ready access to the dining and cultural attractions of the city. In athletics, the San Francisco State Gators compete in the NCAA Division II  California Collegiate Athletic Association. Popular sports include softball, cross country, basketball, soccer, and wrestling.  SFS is one of the  23 Cal State schools. Enrollment (2016): Total Enrollment: 29,045  (25,945 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 44% Male / 56% Female83% Full-time Costs (2016- 17): Tuition and Fees: $6,484  (in-state); $17,644  (out-of-state)Books: $1,900  (why so much?)Room and Board: $13,882Other Expenses: $2,966Total Cost: $25,232  (in-state); $36,392 (out-of-state) San Francisco State Financial Aid (2015- 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 76%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 69%Loans: 42%Average Amount of AidGrants: $8,817Loans: $5,441 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Biology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, English, Film Studies, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Psychology, Radio and Television, Speech and Rhetorical Studies What major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 80%Transfer Out Rate: 6%4-Year Graduation Rate: 18%6-Year Graduation Rate: 53% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Soccer, Wrestling, Cross Country, Baseball, BasketballWomens Sports:  Softball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics Admissions Profiles for Other Cal State Campuses Bakersfield | Channel Islands | Chico | Dominquez Hills | East Bay | Fresno State | Fullerton | Humboldt | Long Beach | Los Angeles | Maritime | Monterey Bay | Northridge | Pomona (Cal Poly) | Sacramento | San Bernardino | San Diego | San Francisco | San Jose State | San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) | San Marcos | Sonoma State | Stanislaus More California Public University Information SAT Score Comparison for Cal State SchoolsACT Score Comparison for Cal State SchoolsThe University of California SystemSAT Score Comparison for the UC SystemACT Score Comparison for the UC System

Management research project Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Management project - Research Paper Example The paper will critically evaluate how human resource in the bank incorporates strategies and policies to better handle and nurture diversity within its workforce. Research Objectives The broad objective of the study is to find out how OCBC handle the issue of its diverse workforce. The three specific objectives of the study are: To establish how diverse the workforce in OCBC is. To find out the existing strategies and policies employed by the human resource management regarding diverse workforce To examine the challenges brought about by a diverse workforce Research Question How diverse is the OCBC workforce in Singapore? What are the existing strategies and policies used by the human resource management in handling diversity in its employees? What are the challenges brought about by a diverse workforce Research Methodology Both qualitative and quantitative research design will be utilized as they will cover the broad aspects of the study and enable a concrete conclusion and recomme ndation to be drawn. The tool used to collect data includes both primary and secondary sources. Questionnaires as well as interview guides will be distributed to OCBC employees and the human resource department respectively as they are the target population. Data will be analyzed using SPSS and presented descriptively using tables, charts and graphs. Random and careful biased sampling will be used to arrive at the desired sample Literature Review It has been argued that human or workforce is the most important asset that dictates the future of any organization, OCBC Bank in Singapore not being an exception. According to Boxall & Purcell, 2008 workplace diversity has been defined severally but one definition adopted is; variety of differences and uniqueness among and between individuals within an organization. The concept entails issues relating to of age, sex, religion, ability, disability, race, ethnic groups, color, nationality and even sex orientation, educational background, job title to mention but a few. If the HR have in place best strategies and policies to nurture diversity, the results are better as it helps in increasing adaptability, widening service range, more effective way of executing duties as well as bring a diverse ideas that can yield the desired satisfaction to customers hence propelling the organization to greater heights (Katharine, et al 1995). On the other hand, there are challenges brought about by a diverse workforce and this include resistance to change, hindrance on implementation of diversity in place of work polices, difficulties in sharing information Company background OCBC is the longest operating bank in Singapore having been established in 1912. Today, OCBC has been ranked by world analysts as the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia, most highly-rated bank and one of the world’s strongest bank ( OCBC Annual Report 2010). OCBC provides financial services

Health reform legislation in the US Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health reform legislation in the US - Case Study Example The legislation seeks to reduce the annual appropriation funds the local authorities give the hospital to help in its running. The fund helps in the facilitating of the payment of workers in the hospital. The fund also helps the hospital acquire new machines and pay for the maintenance of the already bought machines. Over the years, the hospital has being able to set up new facilities that make it serve extra people. The legislation put forward aims to slash the annual fund provided for the hospital by a certain percentage. This means that the hospital will receive less than what it used to get. To this effect, the hospital’s normal operations would be interrupted, as it has to go out of its way to get the extra finance needed to supplement its budget. The hospital will also have to change its budget for it to be in line with the new funding provision. This measure would include having to charge extra fee to patients. Some workers in the hospital would have to lose their jobs to enable the hospital cut the extra costs. This are some of the drastic changes that the hospital would undertake in order to enable it operate on the reduced funding. My role of being requested to offer advice to the council is because I am the President of the Hospital. I participate in the drafting of the hospital’s budget and thus I am better placed to know the effects of the legislation. In addition to that, I head the finance department and the committee in charge of the hospital workers. My reason for choosing to be the one writing to the mayor is that my position makes me know and understand fully the running of the hospital. I have held the position for the past decade making my experience unparalleled. The reduction of the funding will affect women mostly those who are pregnant. The reason for this is that the larger share of the money goes to the women requirements facilities in the hospital.

Research of China's Luxury Goods Market- How Chinese Enterprises Get Dissertation

Research of China's Luxury Goods Market- How Chinese Enterprises Get out From Made in China to Create Domestic Luxury brands - Dissertation Example Recently, however, with an increased spending power among Chinese consumers along with reduced government restrictions, luxury brands from foreign countries have experienced the pressure of strengthening their commitment to Chinese mainland to maintain competitive advantage and avoid losing to rivals. Luxury is a subjective concept that is constantly developing, hence its varied definitions. Nonetheless, luxury has typically been used to characterize a state of great comfort or a desirable item (Park, Rabolt, and Jeon 2008). Luxury brands significantly differ from others in such a way that these entail a premium with no clear benefits over their counterparts. However, consumers remain willing to pay for a significant price as such brands exhibit unique attributes in terms of reputation, quality, and recognizability. Luxury brands do not only express high stands of superiority but also represent a social code that suggests access to desirability and exclusivity. The luxury market has, thus, gained considerable interest from many due to its representation of a hedonistic and somehow irrational form of consumption with which individuals purchase goods for the pleasure these provide regardless of financial costs (Phau and Teah 2009). The luxury brands that are in operation within China are mainly from Europe and include a wide range of retail sectors, including jewellery, fashion clothing and accessories, cosmetics, footwear, and automotive. The following sections then focus on the Chinese consumption behavior towards luxury brands, particularly the unique characteristics of Chinese consumers, the strategies for promoting luxury brands in China, as well as the possible challenges that Chinese companies may face in promoting such luxury brands. Product Brand: An Overview A brand is considered as a guarantee to the consumer of better quality or performance as compared to a product’s generic counterpart, in regards to both the physical and technical aspects. Wh en companies market a branded product, their statements ensure qualities that cannot be acquired through using generic or alternative brands. In most cases, brands are illustrated to depict an individual’s preferred lifestyle. Product branding caters to products alone, whereas corporate branding is the strategy of utilizing the name of the company to represent a certain product or service (de Chernatony 1999; de Chernatony 2001). Products are manufactured in warehouses and factories, but brands are what consumers are after. Consumers make purchases to take hold of a product’s statement and the distinction of one product from another, as personified through brands. Products can be identical and it can be seen in any shop, but the incorporation of a specific brand gives a product a personal touch that would be difficult for competitors to imitate. Though products can be outdated, brands that are successful are always cherished by its loyal customers. In branding, it is i mperative for the presentation and the package to look its best. It is not necessarily grandeur, but it depends on the statement that the firm wants to communicate about the product. It is important that all the necessary details and information are presented to the target market (Olins 2000). In the market, there are a lot of products that claim to be the most efficient, ideal, and best to be purchased and used by consumers. Each has its own qualities and features. The most effective way to

Consulting Services in Information Technology Essay Example for Free

Consulting Services in Information Technology Essay Before discussing the role of consulting service firms in procurement of Information Technology resources and solutions, we will first describe some rules of thumb that dictate the selection process for aforesaid purpose. The basic rule is â€Å"the simpler the better†, but this often leads to oversimplification of complex tasks (Braley, 2009) and we must avoid wastage of time and resources that occurs due to unnecessary attention to detail. There is a myth that a well-written contract is of primary importance in procurement process. This assumption is not true and leads to a lack of effort in making things go right. Next rule is that one must not sacrifice effectiveness of day to day data collection and other important activities on the assumption that output is the sole primary concern of the system. Schedule of projects must be realistic, which is rarely the case, leading to a myth that projects never complete on time (Braley, 2009). Having discussed some of the myths and realities of IS procurement, we will now compare and contrast the approaches of different consultancy firms in selection process. Accenture is a worldwide corporation that provides services in the areas of outsourcing, management consulting and technology (Accenture, 2009). As their value proposition â€Å"High Performance. Delivered. † suggests, they value constant innovation to perform better and their results show that their commitment to their clients is exemplary. Extensive research is their strongest arm which lets their clients procure the best available solution to their specific problems. Accenture works together with customers, including governments, to help them perform much better (Accenture, 2009). Their 2008 revenues were in excess of $25 Billion and income was around $1. 6 Billion showing strong growth from their 2007 results (Wikipedia, 2009). In contrast, Infosys, based in India, has slightly different values but the same quest for excellence. This $4 Billion revenue generating company provides technology-enabled business solutions to help businesses win in a Flat World (Infosys, 2009). The term Flat World is of key importance here. Their philosophy of by passing structural issues and minimizing bureaucratic hassle is embedded in this term. Today, they lead worldwide in the next generation of IT and consulting (Infosys, 2009). Their philosophy enables them to use IT to introduce dynamism in a corporation to make it flexible to adapt to rapid changes in today’s world. We discussed two successful IT consultants with very different philosophies but one goal: to provide their clients with the specific solutions that make them leaders in their fields. Accenture believes in extensive research and harnesses its power, whereas Infosys flattens an organization for timely and helpful results. The rules of thumb, that we discussed earlier, are evidently practiced within both consultancies we discussed. For example, Accenture practices the simplicity rule when it uses research to know exactly what is required by client and the level of understanding of end users. Infosys does not let perfection of RFP hinder its flat world dream by putting least emphasis on mere documentation and more focus on tangible results. One trend in today’s IT market is for more and more IT consultancy firms to venture into solution-builder business themselves (Wikipedia, 2009). This diversifies their market portfolios and increases their customer base. We conclude our discussion by pointing out that the trend mentioned above is good for customers as it provides them complete IT solutions within one roof. Both the consultancies we discussed aim to be that one roof for governments and corporate clients.

Strategic Human Resource Problems in Texas Instruments Malaysia

Strategic Human Resource Problems in Texas Instruments Malaysia Introduction Objective The objective of doing this task is to understand and analyze the strategic human resource problems in Texas Instruments Malaysia and to provide suggestions based on literature review and best practices. Company Introduction TIs innovation strategy let it leapfrog to the forefront of the chip business, where it has remained ever since Malcom Penn, CEO Electronic Engineering Times (June 2003). These are just a few words describing Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company includes the Educational Productivity Solutions business. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments Incorporated is a company in the semiconductor industry that provides innovative semiconductor technologies to help their customers create the worlds most advanced electronics. Their analog, embedded processing and wireless technologies that is used in daily lives in many different ways, ranging from digital communications and entertainment to medical services, automotive systems and wide- ranging applications in between. TI Corporate Overview Texas Instruments in US, the headquaters (NYSE:  TXN), better known in the electronics industry (and popularly) as TI, is an American company based in Dallas, Texas, USA, renowned for developing and commercializing semiconductor and computer technology. TI is the No. 3 manufacturer of semiconductors worldwide after Intel and Samsung, and is the top supplier of chips for cellular handsets, as well as the No. 1 producer of digital signal processors (DSPs) and analog semiconductors. Other focus areas include chips for broadband modems, PC peripherals, digital consumer devices, telecommunication infrastructure, and radio frequency identification (RFID). Based on 2009 revenue for 2010 ranking, the company was listed at number 223 on the Fortune 500. Texas Instruments is also known for its values that include high ethical behavior as well as diversity. One of the programs done is called inclusiveness ensures that diversity is valued and it is the core of the TI values across all the plan ts worldwide. Company History Texas Instruments was founded by Cecil H. Green, J. Erik Jonsson, Eugene McDermott, and Patrick E. Haggerty in 1951. McDermott was one of the original founders of Geophysical Service in 1930. McDermott, Green, and Jonsson were GSI employees who purchased the company in 1941 on the day before Pearl Harbor was attacked. In November, 1945 Patrick Haggerty was hired as general manager of the Laboratory and Manufacturing (LM) division. By 1951, the LM division, with its defense contracts, was growing faster than GSIs Geophysical division. The company was reorganized and initially renamed General Instruments Inc. Because there already existed a firm named General Instrument, the company was renamed as Texas Instruments that same year. Geophysical Service Inc. became a subsidiary of Texas Instruments which it remained until early 1988, when most of GSI was sold to the Halliburton Company. Today semiconductor is the biggest business for Texas Instruments Malaysia. Vision: To be the Assembly/ Test of choice Mission: To focus on the priorities which is our customer, our business partners and our people. Market Shares Looking at the chip vendors above in 2009, Texas Instruments is one of the market dominator in the business. The others represent small companies put together. The main competitors for Texas Instruments are Freescale and ST Microelectronics. Worldwide Location of TI TI has a long-standing presence in many of the worlds major markets and has the best geographic coverage in the semiconductor industry. With manufacturing sites, sales and support offices located in Europe, Asia, Japan, and the Americas, TI can provide products and services to customers wherever they do business Global Presence: Manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries Employment Employee Population: Approximately 27,700 worldwide Regional Employee Population: Approximately : 12,900 in US America (Texas, North Texas and Dallas area) 10,000 in Asia 2,200 in Japan 2,600 in Europe With the big number of employees in TI Malaysia, many HRM issue will become more rampant especially during policy deployment as well as during communication. TI Malaysia currently has a very good system to counter that but what is actually required to tale them to the next level? TI Product Line Semiconductors: Amplifiers Linear Clocks Timers DSP Digital Signal Processing Data Converters Interface Logic Microcontrollers (MCU) Power Management RFID Systems RF/IF ZigBee ® Solutions Switches Multiplexers Temperature Sensors Control ICs DLP ® TV, Projectors Cinema Calculators Education Technology TI Financial Performance TI has a very strong financial history and performance as per the above. With the credit crunch currently being see, there has still not been any information or new on layoffs as well as retention. TI is prepared for the rainy days as they have encountered it more than once in 1997, 2001 as well as 2009. Awards Nobel Prize Winner Jack Kilby, the father of semiconductor discovered the worlds first silicon integrated circuit (IC) while working with TI. TI was the first semiconductor company to go global. 75% of all notebook PCs in the world use TI for power management and data storage. More than half the cell phones sold worldwide use TI technology. TI invented the worlds first handheld calculator in 1967 TI has won two Emmy Awards for DLP ® technology. Business Analysis Looking at the Porters Generic strategy above, TIs strategy on going for low cost position in the market was one of the reasons why TI got such a huge market share. In this highly competitive industry, cost and the differentiation of the product will become the pillars of the industry. Todays customers are very demanding and only wants the best and the best cost. With the high quality output of TI, the brand image speaks for itself. TI Malaysia is the largest factory site in TI worldwide. TI Malaysia produces about 10 million chips per day. Methodology In doing this task, we took some different approach in understanding the issues seen in TI Malaysia. Literature review: Through general sources, we identified some Info about TI through reading as well as through the Internet. We watched a video on Youtube on the Manager of World Exploration in Search of Great Talent, a unique function of the HR in TI US to understand the corporate thought process with regards to HR since this is a multinational company. Interview session: We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to have an interview and a discussion session with former TIM HR director, Reha Abd. Razak. On what was thought to be a question and answer session turned out to be a critical discussion session about the HR policies in TI Malaysia. HR Basics Human resource management is the function performed in an organization that facilitates the most effective use of employees to achieve organizational and individual goal Performing all the functions above, HR plays a very important role in getting the right people to do the right job. Looking through the theories we learned in class, HR should not just be about data processing of the employees records. The concept today talks about SHRM rather than just HRM for the extra competitive advantage that a company needs to stay competitive. TIM HR TODAY Looking at the basic structure of the Human Resource Department in TI, we can look at 2 areas, which is the human resource planning and the talent management. Below are the processes of both the areas. Looking into the function groups in TI Malaysia under HR, we can see 4 main groups: Staffing Training Compensation and benefit Employee relation Communication Though the sections are separated in such a manner, the HR departments operative functions are realized though the following. ER and communication was one of the aspects that we looked at during this task as the section was rather new and many works were required to ensure a proper communication flow in the company. The chart below explains. TIs Employee Development Strategy Employee training and development is one of the aspects that TI looks at. When an employee comes into TI there is a perception that TI will have to change and mold to ensure that they are aligned with the company. TI believes that on job training is very important in bringing the employee to the next level as a training plan. TI uses the 70%, 20% , 10% criteria in the development of the employee in the journey in TIM. The 10% seen will be the additional development program like Masters Degree or any external technical and professional course that can help the employee to improve on based on their DPM that will be discussed under job analysis. Job Analysis Job analysis can be seen in two aspects: Job Description Is a written statement that defines the duties, relationships and results expected of anyone in the job. Job Specification Is an analysis of the kind of person it takes to do the job such as lists of qualifications and specific skills TI has a detailed database and eDPM that spells out the Job description and Job Specification of every position to be hired. This can really help in the development of an employee and will enhance the SAKA of an employee. Looking at the Individual Development Plan (IDP) illustrated, we can see that TI has developed a proper way in managing the responsibility of an employee and in making sure that the objectives is set with the function group manager in relation to the vision and mission of the company. Hiring in TI TIs hiring process relied on Interviews, Reference checks and Physical ability test and is focused on SAKA. It is always recommended to consider using Cognitive abilities test as well which includes Verbal comprehension, Quantitative ability and Reasoning ability to hire the right person. Below is the hiring process flow in TI: The hiring process is standard across the HR in the industry, but for several key positions, there might be additional steps of interview with the department head as well as the operations manager. The utilization of the headhunters is one the method in ensuring a brain gain for the company. Some very technical positions will require skill expertise and the ability of the candidate to be innovative. The hiring process will be based on SAKA approach depending on the nature of the job. A good blend of in house breed and external technical skill will be the right direction for the company to take the next step. Training in TI TI has a very well balance training and development program for its employees. The above model will show the types that are available today in TI. TI has a booklet for new hire that clearly defined the Orientation, OJT (On Job Training), General training and job specific training that they have to complete between 1 month and 2 years time frame. Thus, all employees will undergo standardize training The development will be based on the individual performance and potential. Taking an example, some Engineers are sent for Masters course than can shape them both technically as well as generic skills. Performance Management in TI TI uses the 9 cell matrix in the individual performance rating. This will help to analyze and distinguish between the potentials and the top performers in the company. This can help in ensuring the proper development program is in place for the succession planning. Focus and Recommendations Mainly through the discussion and looking at the HR systems Today, we have identified 2 areas to focus on in the current human resource system. These areas are: Necessary steps are already taken by the HR department to address the issues above but a strategic approach is required to ensure that the company will have the competitive advantage to take the next step in Strategic Human Resource Management by having the HR be approached as an integrative linkage through corporate planning. The next set of discussions will concentrate on the problem that are currently observed, some analysis and the recommended action based on the literature review. Focus #1: Communications Organizations in general are fully aware on the importance of communications. Organizations put a lot of focus and allocation to ensure that their customers, stakeholders and the public, view them positively in general. Where there are sufficient financial allocations, organizations in the public sector of the private sector would set up communications units to serve the purposes indicated. Not enough with the internal staff, organizations may engage with specialists from communications companies, known as Public Relations (PR) agency in an effort to ensure that only good and timely news about them reach the intended parties. These are carried out in support of the organizations projected sales figures and in some others, their brand recognition. Despite the well-known and highly regarded values of communication, organizations or companies in general fail to recognize and address the position of internal communications in equivalence to communications with external parties. Strategies on the best approach, time and methodology to communicate with the staff or workers are often neglected and left to be attended only on ad-hoc basis or in other words, communicate with the staff only when there is something to be announced or if there is a crisis of significant magnitude that warrants the attention of a large portion of the workforce. In a nut shell, such attention to communicating with the employees is reactive in nature, which usually is haphazard, internalized with the least interest if at all, does not invite responses from the receivers and as good as mere lip service. Any company that is able to communicate clearly with their employees is more likely to reach their objectives of existence. Communications, between employers and employees ensure that the aspiration, directions, targets and challenges the company is conveyed clearly down the hierarchy. In return, feedback or recommendations bottoms up upon reaching the management timely and concisely are more often than not valuable inputs into the companys ability to move forward. In Texas Instrument (TI) Malaysia likewise, the focus on internal communications has long been a feature in its Human Resource Department. Adjusted for the local climate but in adherence to its global standards of practice, TI continues to ensure that the employees receive clear and undistorted news and information that the leadership wishes to convey. Internal communications are often viewed as a vital avenue to firstly create a sense of belonging amongst the group of employees. Imagine the set up like TI where there are more that 4,000 workers of various ranks and job scopes from a stretched list of business units, and share the site (plant) as their second home. These workers hardly have enough chance to mingle around at the workplace to get to know each other. Well, perhaps they know they work at the same place by the site uniform that they wear. As we move further, we try to understand the communications gap between the management and the rest of the workforce. In normal daily interaction, workers spend their time communicating only with their immediate peers and bosses. Should there be lack of communications channel with the higher ups, workers often end up conveying their views only to immediate supervisors. Similarly, they solely depend on the immediate supervisors to relay any message from the higher ups downwards. In creating the sense of belonging, workers need to recognize and accept that they are a smaller part of a bigger whole. They need to function, move and strive to reach the overall objective of the company. They need to know that there is a common goal and the goal is shared across the board. They need to know that they exist in synergy and without synergy with others or if there should there be misalignments of focus, the company will not be able to meet its intended objectives and if that so happens, the entire establishment will be affected. The end result could be monetary or anything that is detrimental to the well being of the company as a whole. Thereby, companies make use of its internal communications channels as a means to ensure that the workers continue to be well informed, motivated and share the big picture. Companies understand that workers who are in positive mindsets largely contribute to sales increase, reduction in wastage, able to accept the changes the company wi shes to deploy and carry the company reputation well wherever they go. Internal communication also functions as a generator of the companies work culture. Through the various programs developed and deployed under its purview, the company is then able to eliminate any form of ambiguity amongst the workforce. This also helps to germinate and make the employees understand basic values that are accepted, functioning within a framework where they operate in. Similarly, reports have also shown that by successfully creating the values of the company, positive effects would follow suit including: Employees making correct and acceptable decisions Increase in effort and efficiency due to clear and accepted mission Reduction in operational conflicts that could affect productivity TI, as an organization that upholds the importance of internal communications has put in place several programs or initiatives with the intention to create motivated workforce and, conducive and transparent work place. Periodically, TI publishes an internal newsletter called Gema TIM where news and events revolving around the operation of TI in Malaysia are put together and disseminated to all. Staff will make use of Gema TIM to follow the activities and be inspired about the achievement of fellow workers. The newsletter could also function as a conduit for workers to excel as those who achieve certain level of expectation are normally featured in the publication. TI also established an online channel and a physical equivalent post box for its staff to share their views, recommend or even complaint about any aspect of the company. Called Hati ke HaTI or Heart to Heart, the channel allows the workers to express themselves freely without fear. It is noted that most submissions are for general development of the company as personal issues are usually discussed in person with the Human Resources officer. Possibly every quarter-year, the Senior Management of TI would host a site-meeting or open dialogue, where a huge portion of the staff strength is able to verbally converse with the bosses amicably. The Senior Management of TI make use of such platform to personally convey success, challenges and direction of the company downward. They also take the opportunity to personally give motivation to the staff should there be any need of rectification of issues or need for assurances. Overall, the Senior Management is in view that the communications channels made available, be they Gema TIM, Hati ke Hati or the site meeting are the best conduits to ensure continuous and positive staff engagement. Despite the positive effort, TI has long saddled the responsibility of ensuring optimal internal communications to be assumed only as a supplementary deliverable of its Human Resources department. Only recently that the officer made responsible for the deliverable was upgraded to a Managers position where her focus on internal communications is now made a priority, enlarged and raised in strategic importance. The group did not manage to identify the real reasons for TIs long under-priority on communications. And we are not going to debate and guess over the reasons. Perhaps what is more important is to discuss the better ways to come up with a good internal communications strategy and maybe even recommend the approach to the Senior Management at TI. We would firstly confirm that TI acknowledges the importance of internal communications in an effort to continuously create a preferred working environment that would certainly contribute to high level of motivations amongst workers, which would later translate into better efficiency resulting in higher yields and returns to the company. Similarly we would also assume that the role of internal communication in generating a positive common culture is recognized. TI thereafter would need to consider the listed steps, as recommended by Robert Bacal in his report entitled Internal Communication Strategies: The Neglected Element: 1. Identification of intended culture There is a need to clearly distinct between which culture is needed and which culture is desired. What is most important is that the culture to be created must be able to support the companys goals especially financially. TI must therefore at this stage identify a set of suitable principles, values and behaviors for its workers to embrace as the principles, values and behaviors are the colors to what will later be accepted as TIs culture. 2. Identify and utilize available Communications tools Here, TI has already established a few tools including the newsletter, online commentary channel and an open forum. In fact, we should exhaustively look at what are the available and potential tools and study the effectiveness of those tools in a high-technology dependent factory set-up like TI: Printed medium The tools included under this category are not limited to a newsletter or in-house magazines alone. Companies should understand that memos and performance appraisal documents are also effective tools in communicating its stand to the workers. Companies like TI should therefore identify any potential printed medium tool that can be used to convey its aspiration, and if the tools identified can also be used as a feedback mechanism for the employees to submit their views. b) Verbal channel Sometimes meetings and team address go a longer way that orchestrated forums or dialogue sessions. Sometimes meetings are more acceptable to those who are uneasy with large crowds. Here, TI should be able to vary the verbal channels, not necessarily to attempt to cater for all kinds of preferences but rather to consider the platforms that are most effective according to several types of behavior extrovert, introvert etc. c) Electronic channel Companies who have sufficient IT budget would usually prefer to utilize the electronic channel as one of the key mediums of communications company-wide. The cost for developing a web platform for information dissemination, for example, is almost zero as the initial investment for the channel is preliminarily for generic communications purposes, as in the case of having a telephone for all deserving staff members. Similarly, the cost to develop an online newsletter is almost negligible. As the availability of server space and internet access are considered given factors in running a technology-dependent factory, TI in this case would only need to tap into basic web development skills set amongst its workers. The online newsletter could also be positioned as a collaborative effort between the communications / human resource department with the Information Technology (IT) department. Needless to say, most young individual college-educated workers are somewhat exposed to web development as it has since become commonplace. The IT department could then assume the roles as access provider and server manager. d) Management Behavior Surprisingly the behaviors of especially the senior management members are often construed as messages from the top level for the consumption of the workforce. For example, their hesitation to allow certain programs to be deployed could then in this case be an indication of non-preference for certain operational or deployment strategies. e) Staff and Management Forums This particular tool can also be extended to include non-verbal tools like company-wide surveys. It can an effective mechanism to be used to extract certain undercurrent feelings amongst staff members i.e. on recently launched programs or new initiatives that may invite mixed reactions from various affected working groups. 3. Identify tools are most suitable for specific goals Some tools are only suitable for some selected goals and not for the others. Some tools, on the other hand, may cause backfire to the management if not properly utilized. As in the case of giving a warning or reminder to the workers on the potential of lay-offs in view of the current economic condition, TI should consider the medium where the management will be able to lay out at length the processes that are going to take place and the potential workforce that would be affected. TI would then need to also provide lengthy information on possible measures the workers could take to prepare for such event. Announcements as important as this should not be disseminated utilizing channels that will only invite anxiety amongst staffs, which would lead to immediate de-motivation and reduction in yield. 4. Develop a description of how each tool is to be used Although there are available internal communications tools, those who have been made in-charge of the tools must understand and only make use of the tool in question in-synch with the bigger goals the company wishes to pursue. For example, if the corporate level of the company wishes to invoke the inclination of its workers towards integrity at the workplace, all other messages broadcasted should be moulded with the essence on integrity. The newsletter and internal online editors in this instance must contribute more messages on integrity and not on other secondary values. Similarly, the editor of in internal newsletter for example, must be skilful enough to carve out easy to understand and non-confrontational messages to invite the fellow workers to focus on elevating integrity at the workplace instead of forcing the new focus value down their throats. 5. Plan for remediation TI should take note that whilst the company may wish to develop certain values in its staff, there are expected training, coaching and mentoring programs that need to take place so as to ensure that the intended development is met with the least number of challenges and according to the measurements i.e. time, quantity expected. Training and coaching are also very important processes to take place in instances where there are certain new skill sets (technical/non-technical) that need to be acquired by the staff for the values to be realized. 6. Plan for implementation Developing an implementation plan for effective internal communications is similar to developing other types of communication plans. In this case, TI would need to observe a few important steps and at each step, a number of pivotal questions need to be answered so that the plan developed is within the intended frame of expectation: What to communicate? The message must be very clear and is in support of the higher level goal / aspiration of the company How to communicate? Choose the most suitable tool and identify if a single or double-prong or a multiple platform approach is the most suitable judging from the value of the message. Who will do it? The officer in-charge must firstly carry a high level of trust amongst workers and can continue to follow-up on it should that be required. When will it be done? The timing must be correct in consideration of i.e. landmark events, celebrative moments, economic situation etc. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.and last but not the least, TI or any other companies deploying an internal communications agenda must remember that the initiative is continuous in nature and not a mere one-off or ad-hoc program. 7. Implement 8. Continuous Monitoring and Revise/Realign the Strategy or Approach if necessary The plan would require continuous monitoring in ensuring its success. And TI would need to realign the plan according to any changes in its corporate values, mission or in view of the changes in the industry. Remember, any strategy is dynamic and will require revision to cater for changes that take place. Focus#2: Talent retention Speaking about talent retention and people cannot help to wonder if the talent retention would become a major task for HR especially in an fluctuation of economic situation like this. The semiconductor industry will normally face a cycle of recession every 10 years once and given the reckless spending habits of the people is US, the economic situation has become worse. TI can be facing a brain drain problem if they did not take measures in ensuring the right talent remains in TI Malaysia. The article above speaks about truth on why an employee would leave a company. During the interview session, the HR director categorized it into two parts which is the push and pull factor. Some of the push factors seen in are frustration, not recognized, boring and lack of succession planning. Frustration: Happens when an employee feels that he is not getting what he needs and what he deserves. This ties back directly to the motivation concept. Motivation is defined as the account for an individual intensity, direction, and persistence of effort towards attaining a goal. Not recognized: Not recognized talks about the backroom boys or the busy bees who does everything but just do not get the deserved attention nor recognition. Looking at the Maslows hierarchy of Needs, the high order needs talks about esteem and self-actualization. In attaining a corporate goal set by the company, it is very important for an employee to feel needed and part of the company rather than just another employee. As mentioned earlier, the communication done by the site meetings with the whole factory helps translate the business goals into everyday work for the staff. There will however still be some that suffers from the middle child syndrome and decide to leave. Lack of succession planning: As we have seen in the case of Mohapatra, succession plans really helps to ensure that the candidate is really ready to take on such a challenge. Taking some departments in TI, which are support groups, the possibility of expansion is low and ladder is harder to climb, as they are already only a support function to the company. In these cases, if the employee is already working 7 years on the same position and the manager has another 10 years to go, the lack of succession planning can be the push factor that the employee starts updating their resume and looking for another job. The ability for the company to se their talent is very crucial to ensure that these candidates can be groome