Analyzing two critiques of one piece of art Essay

Analyzing two critiques of one piece of art - Essay Example Here, the main focus of the author’s argument is on the sensuality principle and especially that of the female persona in influencing selling strategies and in attracting, influencing and sustaining interactions at public gatherings1. In the second article on Manets Bar at the Folies-Bergà ¨rese is titled â€Å"Manets Un bar aux Folies-Bergere as an Allegory of Nostalgia.†As the title suggests the interpretation and critic on the same piece of painting is centered on the nostalgic memories it evokes. The author seems to be keen to part from the prevailing analysis of the painting which â€Å"canonized† it based –ironically and heavily-on its unrealistic visual contradictions and ambiguities as opposed to the more obvious clarity of its content2. The author therefore attempts to embrace the complete scene of the Folies-Bergà ¨rese as set of multiple views and states of mind. The focus and therefore the purpose is to resolve the most controversial and ambiguous elements of the painting therein provide a narrative evaluation that previous art critics, scholars and enthusiasts alike have failed to. He achieves this by first beginning with a critique of evaluations by other authors on Manet’s Bar at the Folies-Bergà ¨rese(such as those of Hans Jantzen) and thereby examining the source and direction of the painter’s inspiration in the development of the piece. The author prevails in asserting that the value of making such grandeur pieces was not just for sale at exhibitions but in form of the industrial goods displayed in them similar to the advertising of departmental stores and commercial enterprises through them. The former, identifies the author, diminishes the perception of art within the public domain to a level similar to that of shelved domestic goods3. This close association between commercial entities and large-certainly influential-artwork of the time is replicated in other stores and as such

Analyzing the Flesh and the Spirit by Anne Bradstreet

Analyzing the Flesh and the Spirit by Anne Bradstreet Five Literary Criticisms Throughout history, there have been many religious faiths and practices that aim the same goal in different ways. One of them was Puritanism and the Puritan believed that the best way to gain admission to heaven was to focus on how sinful they were. Anne Bradstreet was the first Puritan figure in American Literature and in her poem titled The Flesh and the Spirit, she discussed Puritan practices. This essay will analyses the poem with 5 literary criticisms, including Marxist Criticism, Feminist Criticism, New Criticism, Reader-response Criticism, and Psychoanalytic Criticism. Starting with the Marxist Criticism, we need to look at the eras economic conditions first. Anne Bradstreet lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the colony was highly dependent on the import of staples from England. The Puritan dislike of ostentation led the colony to also regulate expenditures on what it perceived as luxury items. Items of personal adornment were frowned upon. In the poem, we see two characters discussing what kind of life people should have. The sister named Flesh tries to explain to her sister named Spirit that the World has everything that could keep them happy and content. Fleshs this kind of approach to the earthly goods is totally against Puritan believes. As the colony Bradstreet lived in already frowned upon luxury items, the sister Spirit says, My Crown not Diamonds, Pearls, and gold, / But such as Angels heads infold. Here, she means that she doesnt have a materialist personality. The poet, Bradstreet, reflects her colonys world-view for the economic matters in those lines. When we try to analyze this poem using the Feminist Criticism, we simply need to ask some questions regarding to poets sex, education, and then look at the characters. The poet was a woman. And when we read her biography, we see that she didnt attend any school but was educated by his father. This informs us that she lived in a male-dominant society because girls didnt attend school even if her father was a steward. The characters in the poem are also girls and they discuss religious matters. Here, the author breaks the male-dominant society and makes her female characters question the religious matters, especially the Puritanism. When the subject is religion, one shouldnt even question the most unimportant thing. But the sister Flesh questions it and all she says is totally against the Puritanism seen in the poets colony. Since the poet herself is a woman, we can assume that a woman discusses a religious practice in a male-dominant society. Analyzing a poem with New Criticism requires a person not to take background information of the poet, poets other works or the story in the poem into consideration. When we read what Spirit says about earthly goods and how she criticizes what Flesh claims that people need to enjoy them, we can understand that this poem reflects the Puritan beliefs. Words used in the poem belong to the English spoken at least 350 years ago. Metaphors were also used in the poem. The character Flesh is a metaphor for earthly items, such as diamonds, pearls, and gold. The poem is not also in a stanza form. It looks like a wall of text. This means that the poet didnt want to separate what is wanted to mean. It means that the poem is all about the same thing. Rhymes used in the poem also makes it sound better and that way it attracts readers attention. When I try to analyze this poem as a reader with the Reader-response Criticism, I can directly say that this poem is about Puritanism; therefore, religion. Since Spirit seems to be more dominant in the poem, the poets environment is a Puritan society. Id say this poem is not different than other religious poems because they all aim one goal: Heaven. It is the way they discuss what to do in order to go to Heaven. Flesh seems to be a sinner character whom readers should avoid. I dont know whether its okay to blame a character to praise a religion or religious practice, but this kind of behavior would make me more uninterested in that religion or practice. As the verses say, No Candle there, nor yet Torch light, / For there shall be no darksome night. they just sound to be impressive sentences that attract people to that religion no different than that of all religions have. To analyze this poem with the Psychoanalytic Criticism, we need to analyze the characters thoughts, their fears, and what they do to suppress their fears.   When we look at what Spirit says in the poem, we can understand that her core issue is fear of God; thus, she adopted the Puritan beliefs in order to go to Heaven. On the other hand, Flesh is just opposite of Spirit. She displays everything that is against fear of God. This can also be interpreted to be an avoidance as her defense mechanism, since she tries to avoid any religious thoughts and want to enjoy all earthly pleasures. To sum up, this essay tried to analyze the poem titled The Flesh and the Spirit by Anne Bradstreet with 5 literary criticisms. With the Marxist Criticism, we looked at the eras economic conditions and tried to reflect Bradstreets colonys world-view for the economic matters in her poems verses. Using the Feminist Criticism, we tried to explain how Bradstreet broke the man-dominated society and used her female characters to discuss religious matters. With New Criticism, we tried to show figures of speech and what the poems form means. Reader-response Criticism was used to explain what the author of this paper understood from the poem. And finally, with the Psychoanalytic Criticism, we tried to identify characters core issues and their defense mechanisms.

Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator Essay -- Fitzgerald Biography

Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator In an attempt to improve their deteriorating marriage, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald made the decision in 1924 to relocate to Europe. Soon after their arrival in the French Riviera, Scott began working feverishly on what would be The Great Gatsby, leaving him little time for family bonding. Servants tended to their only daughter, Scottie, and Zelda, with few other responsibilities, spent her days sunbathing, swimming, and playing tennis. At least this was the case up until she became acquainted with a young French aviator. A local casino owner introduced the couple to a group of French naval officers that were stationed in nearby Frà ©jus. This was the first contact the Fitzgeralds had with foreigners of their own age and Scott finally felt as if he belonged in France. The officer both Scott and Zelda, more importantly, liked most was Edouard Jozan, a lieutenant and son of a middle-class family in Nimes. Nancy Milford describes Jozan by saying, There was an air of assurance about him, a quality of natural leadership that Zelda respected and responded to. Leadership, athletic prowess, a smart military air were precisely those qualities Scott Fitzgerald lacked. It was as if Jozan and Fitzgerald were opposite sides of a coin, each admiring each other’s abilities, gifts, talents, but the difference in the equipment they brought to bear in life was clear.[1] Soon after their introduction, Zelda and Edouard began spending more and more time together and it is most likely the allure of Edouard’s foreign characteristics which attracted her most, seeing that he was clearly the complete opposite of Scott. At the beginning, Scott did not appear threatened by, what he... ...r be repaired.†[7] Works Cited Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976 Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp http://www.pbs.org/kteh/amstorytellers/bios.html [1] Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. p 109 [2] Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976. p 61 [3] ibid, p 61 [4] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp [5] Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. p 57 [6] Stavola, p 57 [7] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator Essay -- Fitzgerald Biography Zelda Fitzgerald and the French Aviator In an attempt to improve their deteriorating marriage, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald made the decision in 1924 to relocate to Europe. Soon after their arrival in the French Riviera, Scott began working feverishly on what would be The Great Gatsby, leaving him little time for family bonding. Servants tended to their only daughter, Scottie, and Zelda, with few other responsibilities, spent her days sunbathing, swimming, and playing tennis. At least this was the case up until she became acquainted with a young French aviator. A local casino owner introduced the couple to a group of French naval officers that were stationed in nearby Frà ©jus. This was the first contact the Fitzgeralds had with foreigners of their own age and Scott finally felt as if he belonged in France. The officer both Scott and Zelda, more importantly, liked most was Edouard Jozan, a lieutenant and son of a middle-class family in Nimes. Nancy Milford describes Jozan by saying, There was an air of assurance about him, a quality of natural leadership that Zelda respected and responded to. Leadership, athletic prowess, a smart military air were precisely those qualities Scott Fitzgerald lacked. It was as if Jozan and Fitzgerald were opposite sides of a coin, each admiring each other’s abilities, gifts, talents, but the difference in the equipment they brought to bear in life was clear.[1] Soon after their introduction, Zelda and Edouard began spending more and more time together and it is most likely the allure of Edouard’s foreign characteristics which attracted her most, seeing that he was clearly the complete opposite of Scott. At the beginning, Scott did not appear threatened by, what he... ...r be repaired.†[7] Works Cited Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976 Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp http://www.pbs.org/kteh/amstorytellers/bios.html [1] Milford, Nancy. Zelda: A Biography; New York: Harper and Row, 1970. p 109 [2] Graham, Sheilah. The Real F. Scott Fitzgerald; New York: Grosset and Dunlap, Inc, 1976. p 61 [3] ibid, p 61 [4] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp [5] Stavola, Thomas J. Scott Fitzgerald: Crisis in an American Identity; New York: Harper and Row, 1979. p 57 [6] Stavola, p 57 [7] http://www.zeldafitzgerald.com/fitzgeralds/index_ie5.asp

Explaining the role of effective communication Essay

There are wide ranges of ways that communication can take place for example one to one conversations, group conversations. This can either be informal or formal depending on the individual’s outcome. An example of effective communication that can take place in a health and social care setting is a hospital, for example a nurse and her colleague are talking about how much they enjoy their jobs, and this is a form of effective communication. One- To –One communication – A one to one happens when a person speaks to a individual, or writes to the individual to form effective communication. In a one to one communication, it is always effective as both of the people in the one to one work together effectively and interacts well, as both individuals are relaxed and are listening to each other, in a result the communication works effectively and both parties leave with a resolved matter and everything is positive. One to one communication can be formal or informal. An formal one to one communication can take place in a GP, where the patient is discussing their personal problem with the Doctor and the doctor is helping the individual out with their problem, this is part of effective communication as the one to one interacting is working effectively. An informal one to one communication, can take place in a health and social care setting, where two colleagues are on their lunch break and are discussing about how their day has gone so far and etc. ,this is a part of effective communication as both parties are interacting effectively. Group communication – In a group communication, there is often more going on as it is a wide range of people within the group. During the group communication, each individual will try and get their points and ideas across to the people within the group and the rest will listen and be considerate towards the person speaking. That is a way of effective group communication, as the interacting between the group is working well and effectively. A group communication can be a great benefit, as it’s easier to make decisions and problem solving a ituation as you have various people giving different views and feedback to a matter, and that’s a great way of effective communication. A group communication can include multi- professional working, multi-agency, which happens with professionals and people using services. A multi-professional working involves numerous professionals working together in order to meet the needs of an individual. This will include doctor, police, an d social worker to meet the needs of a young adult in a bad situation. Multi-agency is when different organisations work together effectively to the best possible service to families, children and young people. Formal communication Formal communication is a form of communication used by professional to communicate with clients and individuals. This form of communication is important because it shows the professional is showing professionalism within the work their doing to deliver the best possible care for the individual as well as the communication working effectively. An example of formal communication can be, ‘ good morning Sir/Mrs, this shows respect towards the individual. It is important not to use jargon or slang whilst communication formally, because you will come across as you’re not serious about your work, and also the client my not be pleased, also jargon can be a barrier because it can affect the communication between the client and professional due to not understand the technical words. Informal communication Informal communication is a casual exchange or letter that doesn’t follow to all of the rules of formal communication. It’s like saying â€Å"hey† instead of hello and also writing to your friend and talking about personal things. These are things you’d never do in a business environment because it can be considered as formal communication. Informal communication is good way of communication as it can make a individual more relaxed and effective as it’s more easier and complex for the person to interact, as they don’t have to worry about being proper and correct. Interpersonal interaction Interpersonal interaction is how people relate towards each other in a verbal nteraction or non-verbal interaction. Verbal interactions include speech, tone of somebody’s voice, listening and language. Non-verbal interactions include a person’s body language and the way they express it for example their posture, facial expression and their proximity. Interpersonal communication can take place in a health and social care setting, for example: at a care home, there is a new career and she does not speak English properly, so therefore it is hard for her to interact with the residents, which makes this is a language barrier. P2 – Argyle’s Theory of the Communication Cycle Michael Argyle is a social psychologist who developed theories about interpersonal interaction and human communication. He carried out experimental theories of non-verbal and verbal communication to develop and test he’s theoretical ideas. He has a communication cycle which explains and predicts how communication can occur in a one to one situation. 1. An idea occurs. A resident wants to go to the library and is trying to convince her carer. 2. Message coded. She talks to her carer about the books she used to read and how much she misses reading them. 3. Message sent. The carer says to the resident, ‘what was your favourite book’ this shows the message is sent and the carer understands what the resident is talking about. 4. Message received. Now the carer know what the resident’s favourite book is the resident is happy and is smiling. 5. Message decoded. Then the carer says to her resident would you like me to take you to the library so we can have a look if they have your favourite book and other books your interested in? 6. Message understood. Here the resident is happy and so is the carer because now they both understand each and the communication between the two has worked effectively. Bruce Tuckman defined a model of group development based around numerous stages, sequences or group activity. Tuckman suggested that these stages should happen in order for effective communication to occur in the groups interaction as well as the four stages being completely different. Forming –it is the start of the year and new infants have started the nursery, they tend to be shy and well reserved as they are not used to each other. Storming – as they start to settle in for about a month, they because more comfortable and relaxed with each other, in some cases this might not happen, someone would want to be dominant out of the bunch and this may cause conflict between the infants. Norming – in this stage everyone had built a strong bond between each other, and is working together well. Performing – in this final result the infants become mature and tend to realise that working together effectively can be a positive thing. M1 – Assess the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in health and social care with reference to theories of communication. The roles of effective communication in a health and social care setting, is to ensure that if communication with a resident, you must make sure to talk clearly and slowly, face to face make sure the person understands you and you’ve got your message across in the right way, in order for the communication to work effectively. The types of reference to communication are sign language, makaton and braille. These are part of effective communication as they are used by people with a hearing or blind impairment and leaning difficulties in order for them to communicate with others around them. Effective communication is a two-way process in which a person tries to understand the viewpoint of the other person. Communication is a cycle because when two people communicate they will need to make sure that they got their ideas across towards each other and they are understood. There are also barriers that can occur in a communication due the individual’s circumstance, for example: a person using slang, jargon o complex technical terminology can be heard, but their message may not be understood. Scenario I’m going to give a scenario between doctor and a patient, showing communication working effectively. Nurse : did you rest well last night Mrs Jones? Patient: yes I did nurse, I’m feeling slight better. Nurse: that’s a great improvement then, I’m glad you are. Patient: thank you very much nurse. Nurse: I am always here to help my dear. This is a very good way of effective communication, as the nurse and patient are interacting well and both parties are happy as they have understood each other. References (http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/informal-communication. html) (http://wiki. answers. com/Q/What_is_formal_communication_in_business_organization)

Technology vs. Values & Environment

Technology is what governs the aspect of being judged as a developed nation or country. To determine the effect that technology has on the true evolution of a society needs to be considered from two angles. First and foremost technological innovation is what brings about progress. Technological advancements take place when a society needs to make their living more comfortable and safe. This brings up the other point handling technology, the second aspect. Mans needs and wants are rarely distinguishable. It happens quite often that man cannot outline his basic needs and requirements due to which the technology developed are not in sync with their values and cultures. Technological advancements affect all three spheres of a society- social, political & economical. Therefore over-indulgence in technological progress will indeed lead to the neglect of social, economic and political values. Excess of everything is bad. To begin with technological progress is extremely costly and requires a very large investment. Large investments in this field would require the fiscal resources allotted to education and removal of poverty in developing nations especially to be decreased. An example of this scenario is the Indian National Congress. The INC made the nuclear deal with the USA. Despite the help being provided by the USA, India will still have to make large investments in setting up large nuclear plants & equipment. Such investments will be made in the light, that even today majority of the population is illiterate and lives below the poverty line. Apart from people, persistent technological development poses a grave threat to environment. The present situation of global warming is completely attributed to mindless technological development. The extensive power consumption by factories in the USA is a matter of great contention in the United Nations, as it is a major contributor to global warming. Technology empowers us, true. But with great power, comes great responsibility!

A Comparative Recollection of The Odyssey and The Inferno essays

A Comparative Recollection of The Odyssey and The Inferno essays When making a sociological observation on the human race, one can draw many similarities between the vast numbers of cultures that flourish on earth. One of the commonalties sure to be witnessed by the sociologist is: mankind does many of the same fundamental aspects of life, having their specific cultures responsible for making only cosmetic changes to these tasks. Literature, like mankind, is also seen to have commonalities between different pieces of writing, with minor changes made by the writers varied influences. Although Homers The Odyssey and Dantes The Inferno were written roughly two thousand years apart and in cultures that have contrasting norms, both masterpieces are recognized as having many paralleled themes and subjects. The ancient Greek text and the more contemporary Italian poem are both written around the main idea of a grand journey, with differences arising in the purpose and the style of the expeditions. Also, both Homer and Dante include the thought that women play a submissive role in life, focally varying the degree of the subservience. Finally, the two texts climax with themes of betrayal. These scenes of betrayal are sternly portrayed between the covers of the literature; Homer focusing on revenging those who betrayed him, while Dante centers his attention on the punishment received in the afterlife by those guilty of betrayal. The topics shared between the two literary works, subjects that have been historically considered quite dissimilar, succeed to give both texts direction and secondary subject matter that would otherwise not be found. The grand scale journey has, historically, been a recurring theme throughout literature, but the similarities of Homer and Dantes work distinguishes them from the majority. Among others, Chaucers The Canterbury Tales and the Renaissance masterpiece Sir Gawain and the Green Knight have included the aspect of a large journey, but unlike The ...

Herbert Spencers Educational Theories Essay

Herbert Spencers Educational Theories Essay Free Online Research Papers Herbert Spencers Educational Theories Essay Herbert Spencer’s theories on education have had a profound effect on contemporary pedagogy and curriculum design. His advocacy of individualism and a highly competitive ethic amongst students and schools plays an important role in education today, e.g. standardized testing and the competitive SAT examinations in the US. Spencer’s pragmatic approach to curriculum design, where the time, money and energy spent towards teaching a particular subject are weighed against the rewards derived from its study have also had a strong influence on modern day curricula. And perhaps most interestingly, his supposedly anachronistic theory of social Darwinism is often implicitly applied by policy makers who want to [“hold schools and students accountable”, with monetary awards and sanctions distributed according to schools that make progress or backslide]. In recent years one of the most contentious educational debates has been the one between social promotion vs. grade retention. If Herbert Spencer were alive today he would undoubtedly advocate the latter over the former, but I wonder if his competitive model of education addresses all of the variables that determine student achievement. His notion that the most academically fit students are the only ones deserving of grade promotion overlooks many important discoveries in the emotional and intellectual development of children and teens. The fact that all children do not mature on the same time scale is an example of one of his potential oversights. Educational policies that stress high stakes testing, especially in the elementary and middle school grades, clearly ignore the wide range of emotional and intellectual maturity that students in these grades fall into. For example, early to mid adolescent females typically outperform their male counterparts when it comes to reading and writing but by late adolescence, both genders show similar performance in these areas. With differences like this in mind, it is likely that rigorous testing of young adolescents and educational streaming based on these exam results will undoubtedly place as many high achievers in remedial level courses as it will put low achievers in accelerated courses. In her paper on the debate over social promotion versus grade retention, Anne Wheelock addresses another important consideration which Spencer’s Darwinist view on the subject would likely fail to properly consider and that is the correlation between poverty and grade retention. According to the National Educational Longitudinal Survey of 1988, approximately one fifth of all eighth graders had been held back at least once and amongst those, 33% came from low-income families. Zealous advocates of social Darwinism might argue that those figures support the evolutionary basis of their theory, i.e. poor students account for the majority of grade repeaters because their parents were also low achievers, who consequently could not secure well paying jobs. What social Darwinism fails to address here is the extra set of challenges that only poorer students must overcome if they want to succeed academically. One of the main assumptions of Darwin’s theory of evolution is that each indivi dual is born into the same environment. Human society is highly stratified and as such cannot be modeled by Darwin’s theory. Wheelock also notes that many students who are held back often become “bored with their schooling [and] the threat of withholding a diploma rarely stimulates them to engage in school.” Many of these students ultimately develop the belief that school is not for me and drop out. In these cases learning no longer becomes competitive at all. One of the most obvious influences of Spencer’s theory on education is the idea of grading students on a bell curve. This system of grading assumes that intelligence is distributed amongst students according to a bell shaped curve, i.e. the number of A students equals the number of F students, the number of B students equals the number of D students and the remainder of students work at a C level. When educators evaluate students according to this model, students compete with each other for grades. Although some might argue that this competition motivates students to work harder others note that it often fails to asses students on their mastery of the material being studied since some students will always fail and some others will always get A’s. A criterion based approach to grading is clearly superior because it assesses students in terms of their mastery of class material. References: Johnson, W. L., Johnson, A. M. (2000) “The Theory of Evolution: An Educational Perspective” U of British Columbia Library, 26 November 2005 Wheelock, A. “Social Promotion Grade Retention” Retrieved 26 November 2005 Research Papers on Herbert Spencer's Educational Theories EssayStandardized TestingInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyResearch Process Part OneThree Concepts of PsychodynamicEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenHip-Hop is ArtThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UsePETSTEL analysis of India

How to Write When Muse Doesnt Help

How to Write When Muse Doesnt Help There you are. Slamming your brain repeatedly against the keyboard at 1:53am while your loudest â€Å"make ideas happen† music blares from your headphones. Intermittently, you are uploading pictures of your cat to Instagram while cursing the professor who assigned this stupid essay. You are considering selling your soul to the Devil in lieu of a working thesis statement. Don’t make any blood oaths just yet. Even when your brain just doesn’t seem to be making any connections, there are ways to get your ideas flowing and that essay started. With a little creative help and a lot of determination, even the most uninspired essay can turn into a gem. 1. Go Where the People Are In a recent study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, researchers found that ambient noise at around 70 decibels actually improves creative thought. They found that extreme quiet, 50 decibels or lower, impedes the ability to think abstractly since it introduces too much focus into the equation. On the other hand, make sure you don’t go where there is too much noise. The study also showed that noises over 85 decibels, the sound of heavy traffic, is too distracting for creative thinking. So, make sure you go to a coffee shop, not a metal concert. 2. Create an Outline Remember in high school when your teacher forced you to make an outline? It might have seemed like a huge waste of time then, but it’s a great trick to get your essay on the page. In fact, with a good enough outline, half of your paper will already be written for you. In fact, there is a simple 7-step procedure to have an excellent outline that will always get you off to a good essay start. Answer the prompt. In one or two sentences, answer the prompt for the article. This is your thesis statement. It will go at the end of your first paragraph. Write a main sentence for each of your paragraphs. Each paragraph should help to explain what you stated in your thesis. For each paragraph, write one sentence about what that paragraph is going to say. List 2-3 resources for each paragraph. Look at the main sentence for each paragraph. Now, find some resources that prove what you said in that sentence. List them. Now that you have all your paragraphs and thesis statement outlined, you will have some great ideas on how to start writing your essay. By the time you’re finished writing the body, or â€Å"meat,† of your essay, you should have some good ideas on how to write the introduction and conclusion. 3. Set a Timer One of the best ways to get writing when your brain feels like mush is to do a timed writing. Simply set your timer for 5-10 minutes and sit down at your computer. Start writing whatever comes into your head. If you’re working on an essay, write down all the things you know about the subject, or how you feel about it. Whatever you do, don’t stop writing. When you run out of things to say, simply write, â€Å"I don’t know what to say.† Your brain will eventually fill that space with things that can help you connect your ideas with the essay you need to complete. 4. Do Some Research I don’t mean search â€Å"funny cat videos† for two hours. I mean, real research. For example, if your essay needs to be about a current event, go to an online news source and start looking at headlines. Anything that catches your attention is a great place to begin your research. Especially if you’re low on time, research is another area where it’s a good idea to time yourself. Set the clock for one hour and look for concrete evidence to support your ideas. Educational websites (.edu) and governmental websites (.gov) are the most authoritative, so their excellent places to start. Also, make sure that you are citing your source so that you don’t get in trouble for plagiarism. 5. Just Write It In the end, writing an essay is simply about sitting down and doing it. Many authors, essayists, and professional writers don’t wait for inspiration before they put pen to paper. As a student, you can’t wait until inspiration strikes to start your essay. Simply setting aside a time to write and then making it happen is the best way to avoid losing your soul to a college essay assignment.

Impact of current economic downturn on Startegic human resource Essay

Impact of current economic downturn on Startegic human resource development - Essay Example e strategic human resource development can involve any of the following types of development such as short term or long term development, individual or group orientation, low participation or high participation techniques, spontaneous or systemic development and so on (Schuler and Jackson, 1987). But the dependence of these types of development techniques is based on certain pillars. These are as discussed by Garavan (2007) global environment, corporate strategy and culture, value and exclusivity of jobs and lastly employee expectation and careers. This essay will examine the importance of the contexts in the strategic human resource development while assessing the impact of the recent economic turmoil on these contexts in relation to human resource development. Furthermore, new steps initiated by organizations in response to the impacts will also be discussed. A swiftly changing economic environment illustrated by events such as globalization, deregulation of global markets, changing demands of customer and supplier, rapidly increasing competition in product-market and so on has become a change standard for organizations. Organizations in order to remain competitive, find ways to reduce costs, innovate products and processes and bring about changes in human resource management and development. Researches have addressed the concept of human resource as one that contributes to the accomplishment of organization’s operating and strategic goals. As the human resource strategies are built to accomplish the goals of the firms, certain objectives or framework also lies behind the development and objectives of strategic human resource. According to Garavan (2007) four levels of context are important in shaping organizations strategic human resource development: a) the global environment; b) the organization’s strategy, structure, culture, and leadership; c) the value and uniqueness that the firm attaches to particular jobs; and d) individual expectations,

Consequences of Neoliberalism. Economic Consequences of Neoliberalism Essay

Consequences of Neoliberalism. Economic Consequences of Neoliberalism - Essay Example Neoliberalism supports maximum role of the private sector in determining the dimensions of the political and economic policies and priorities of a country (Klak, 1998, p76). Neoliberalism stresses upon the shift of control from the public to the private sector because it is based upon the belief that the greater involvement of public sector will allow efficient government and eventually the overall economic condition will also be improved by giving more control to the private sector. Neoliberalism proposes some crucial principles and policy proposals for transforming the traditional economic system (Touraine, 2001, p11). Neoliberal approach asserts that deficits should be avoided and used only for occasional stabilization purpose because large deficits little effect upon the employment level of the country whereas constant deficits generate high inflation and lower productivity. Similarly, this approach also demands transformation in the taxation system, floating exchange rate, redir ection of public spending towards infrastructure development, education and healthcare etc. Privatization of the state enterprises is an important proposition of neoliberal approach because it is demonstrated by the neoliberal theorists that privatization will promote competition and increase the choices available to the people in several sectors like banking and telecommunication etc. Trade liberalization is proposed by suspending the regulations that act as barrier in market entry and restrict competition in the sector. These basic principles draw some very important and transformational impacts upon the societies and economies and after the implementation of neoliberal policies the world community has experiences some significant and critical impacts of this approach within their political and social system. The global spread of neoliberalism indicates its wide acceptance and popularity across the world however, despite this approbation there is consistent increase in the questio ns raised against neoliberal policies and the claimed benefits of this ideology have also frequently been challenged. There is mixed support for the neoliberal policies among the developed nations of the world and their economies and societies also reflect its benefits whereas the developing countries are not as open towards the neoliberalism as developed ones. The neoliberal policies are often challenged and questioned at global level. It is widely argues that neoliberalism has brought several positive and negative consequences to the economic, political and social systems of the countries. These consequences differ from country to country depending upon the level of enactment of the neoliberal policies. The consequences of neoliberalism could be examines from social, political and economic point of views because the systems of different countries have been responded towards neoliberal policies in distinct manner (Chomsky, 1999, p32). In the modern economic system the neoliberal po licies are often challenged by the new institutional economics and evolving concepts of economies of information, risk and uncertainty. In developed countries like U.S and U.K. neoliberalism is often blamed for damaging the social safety nets whereas the developing nations including some African countries complain that adopting neoliberalism policies provide little benefit to their economies and there is inclusive or significant contribution made by these policies to the economic, social and political growth of these countries. In fact, it is also claimed that neoliberal policies have negatively affected the development policies and growth process initiated before the

Case And Statute Law. Robert and the Wooly Traders Essay

Case And Statute Law. Robert and the Wooly Traders - Essay Example In the case involving Robert and the Wooly Traders clothing wholesalers, this paper intends to analyze the position of Robert with regard to the contract for purchase of the coats. In the contract, Robert who is a clothing retailer places an order with WT, the clothing wholesaler to have fourteen superior all-weather coats supplied to his premises. The sheepskin coats order was placed in September which upon delivery, the whole bunch sold within a week. Nevertheless, the case states that a fortnight later after the entire sale, customers started returning the coats after a rain which made the coats to have a foul smell due to wetting. It was argued that the sheepskin used in the manufacture of the coats had not been well treated and that resulted to the fouls smell after the coats became wet. This made Robert to ask for a full refund over the business transaction with the Wooly Traders. However, clause 11 of the WT has a different opinion which is the stand of the wholesale traders. It states that unsatisfactory transaction with regard to unsatisfactory goods should be reported promptly within a limit of three days after the delivery, thus stating that the pass of three days without raising the complaint automatically stands as a binding proof of satisfaction. The company therefore refused to consent to the demand of Robert of full refund as a compensation for the faulty coats sold to him. Time inconsistency would be cited as the dominant feature within this case (Anderlini and Felli, 2008, p. 1-34). General reasoning compels Robert to demand for the refund because his merchandise was returned after the sale by the customers as a result of the defects seen. The returned coats would have implied that Robert assumed the responsibility to refund fully the customers over the returned coats. Therefore, Robert was equally entitled to full compensation by the wholesale traders. However, as a contract, the placed order between the WT traders and Robert had binding fram eworks and clauses among which the clause 11 had a time structure in determining the quality of the sold goods. Three days are what the contract is based on and thus any complaint rose after the three days after delivery would not be binding from the side of the wholesaler. Robert stands to lose on the case if the court would rule based on the eleventh clause. This is because as a contract, the two parties involved are entitled to abide with the consented to rules and guidelines. Robert has no defense because it would be assumed that he read and understood to the later the provisions of the clauses binding the contract. The guiding questions of fact to be relied upon by the court would be: Had WT made the contract clauses available to Robert before the consented to the contract and place the order? Had Robert read and comprehended the clauses of the contract before placing the order? After how many days did the complainant report the complaints? What is the proof of the complaints t hat the ship-skin coats were stinky when wet? Under the consideration of these questions, the court would be in a

Concept of Equality and Social Equity Assignment

Concept of Equality and Social Equity - Assignment Example These are important issues which are backed by the international government, NGOs and international agencies across the world. Â  Fleurbaey (2008) asserts that political philosophy and normative economics highlight egalitarian justice that defines social justice in terms of distributive compensation based on responsibility and talent. This is inherently linked to inequity across society but promotes social equity based on a hierarchy of roles within the work environment. This is an important perspective that is visible in the compensation package of the employees. The roles and responsibilities of the public administrators become pertinent issues which require stringent mechanisms of promoting social equity across gender, race, culture, and class. The concepts of equity and equitable distribution of resources based on social equity within and outside public administration, therefore, have emerged as key issues in the current environment of rapid globalization and multicultural societies across the globe. Â  Public policies are essential ingredients of administrative processes that address the issues of public concern and civil liberties. The key objective of the public policy is to enhance social equity that impacts the quality of life and promotes equality across people. In recent times, public administration in American political system has raised critical issue of public liberty. McKelvey (2011) says the civil liberty of people is compromised as the due processes for targeted killing are obscure with unclear law and protocols. Indeed, while the threat of terrorism is real, unsubstantiated accusations of target killing of Americans is not only unwarranted but is also indicative of power play of administration that endangers the freedom of citizens.

U.S. Embargo on Cuba Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

U.S. Embargo on Cuba - Term Paper Example In 1906, US again occupied Cuba, and literally governed it by promoting US business interests in this nation. This intervention made historians (Schwab, 1999, preface, p.7) observe that â€Å"in the late 1930s and 1940s, the mafia turned Cuba into an American gambling casino.† When Fulgensio Batista grabbed power in Cuba in 1952, through a military coup, â€Å"US government and corporate investors† enjoyed control over the whole of Cuba’s economy (Schwab, 1999, preface, p.7). In history, evidences abound regarding the US involvement in sustaining and controlling Colonel Batista. Schwab (1999, p.2) pointed to this fact when he said, â€Å"President Franklin. Soon after January 1, 1959, the date on which Cuban revolutionaries seized power from Batista, America announced an embargo against Cuba. That was in October 1960 by which, exports from US to Cuba were prohibited. The US-supported invasion of Bay of Pigs by Cuban exiles in 1961 followed but that attempt was defeated by Cuban army. The succeeding governments of US have stood by the embargo and ultimately, the Clinton administration turned this embargo into codified law through the 1996 Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (Haney and Vanderbush, 2005, p.1). â€Å"Restrictions on travel to and from the island and on the sale of goods and services there, bans on investment in business ventures, constraints on immigration, limits on journalists and scholars going to Cuba† etc. are the major prohibitions enacted (Schwab, 1999, preface, p.11).

Design Thinking Process its Influences and Critiques Essay

Design Thinking Process its Influences and Critiques - Essay Example Value creation techniques have shifted from manufacturing intense approaches to knowledge based designs which mean that companies have to adjust adequately to fit the market requirements. Innovation requires more than one approach in coming up with a complete recognizable product. Thus, companies have to amalgamate their resources to achieve quality innovation techniques. Despite the need for coherence in the market many industries have failed to implement this, competition has worsened the situation making each company rely on its own resources. However, this may not be an ideal platform for design thinking methodology. In this paper, I depict the roles and applications of design thinking in different scenarios, in the society. I draw up cases from a number of resources to depict the importance and how design thinking process can be attained with maximum benefits in the long run. Design thinking enhances the process of interoperability of the strategic and operational mindsets of individuals towards the set work environment. Design thinking is used in the derivation of human, technological and business sources and their interplay. Secondly it is influenced by socio-cultural and process based patterns (Lockwood, 23). Recent discussions evolving around knowledge usage have stressed the importance of utilization of distributed knowledge in innovation. It is illustrated that exploitable knowledge lies outside the organization that wants to undertake a new product development, this means that such an organization has to consider different components which may include and not limited to consumers, suppliers, and competitors and among other stakeholders in the business environment. The principle has an immense effect on management who are supposed to be open-minded and allow views from the external environment. By doing so, these managers will be allowing necessary skills to

U.S. Embargo on Cuba Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

U.S. Embargo on Cuba - Term Paper Example In 1906, US again occupied Cuba, and literally governed it by promoting US business interests in this nation. This intervention made historians (Schwab, 1999, preface, p.7) observe that â€Å"in the late 1930s and 1940s, the mafia turned Cuba into an American gambling casino.† When Fulgensio Batista grabbed power in Cuba in 1952, through a military coup, â€Å"US government and corporate investors† enjoyed control over the whole of Cuba’s economy (Schwab, 1999, preface, p.7). In history, evidences abound regarding the US involvement in sustaining and controlling Colonel Batista. Schwab (1999, p.2) pointed to this fact when he said, â€Å"President Franklin. Soon after January 1, 1959, the date on which Cuban revolutionaries seized power from Batista, America announced an embargo against Cuba. That was in October 1960 by which, exports from US to Cuba were prohibited. The US-supported invasion of Bay of Pigs by Cuban exiles in 1961 followed but that attempt was defeated by Cuban army. The succeeding governments of US have stood by the embargo and ultimately, the Clinton administration turned this embargo into codified law through the 1996 Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (Haney and Vanderbush, 2005, p.1). â€Å"Restrictions on travel to and from the island and on the sale of goods and services there, bans on investment in business ventures, constraints on immigration, limits on journalists and scholars going to Cuba† etc. are the major prohibitions enacted (Schwab, 1999, preface, p.11).

Cennection between power and motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cennection between power and motivation - Essay Example All human beings are born with five basic needs: continued existence, love, power, fun, and freedom. All human behavior is motivated by attempts to satisfy those needs. In an organization or in a company, managers are responsible for getting the work done and the quality and quantity of the work done by the employees depend on how much the employees are motivated to do the work. The manager may use his power and position to get the work done but the quality and quantity may go down since the employees are not motivated internally to produce quality products. While a manager cannot make workers do high quality work, it is the job of the manager to manage things so that it is easy for the workers to see a strong connection between what they are asked to do and what they believe to be worth doing. Therefore the managers are to become lead-managers. The key behind being a lead-manager is to authorize workers. Lead-managers focus on persuasion and problem solving. They spend their time figuring out how to run the system so that the workers will see that it is to their benefit to produce high-quality work. Managers often fail to let workers feel important - to experience power and freedom. When workers see that outcomes are important and valuable they devote significant effort to realize the goals (education.calumet.purdue.edu, 2000). The implications of motives and values for management are simple: People do what they like or they do what they feel is important. If the given task fits either of these categories, it will get done faster and better. Where suitable motives do not exist, people require strong values to replace them. In the sense, managers can try to engage or create an intellectual commitment, or can engage emotional drivers. Motives are deep constructs and can change only slowly. Changing other people’s motives without their active and devoted alliance is too difficult to be a practical management method.

Teens And Anorexia Nervosa Theory

Teens And Anorexia Nervosa Theory Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that causes a person to obsess about their weight and the food they eat (MFMER. 2008, Para. 1). Anyone can have the disease, but women are particularly susceptible. People who have this condition will view themselves as fat when they look in the mirror although they are in reality dangerously thin and far below the normal weight for their bodys height and age (Lofshult, 2006). They attempt to lose weight by starving themselves and often by obsessive and compulsive exercise. This condition can affect people of all ages, yet teens in America are greatly affected by the disease because they are at a vulnerable development stage and extremely subject to body image issues. (MFMER, 2008). Anorexia Nervosa is at its core an issue with self worth and not really about food at all. When teens are struggling with emotional self esteem issues, they will often try to cope with these feelings through the unhealthy practice of losing weight. It is believed that if they are thinner they will be more accepted by society. Anorexia Nervosa, also known as Anorexia, is a disease that causes them to equate self worth with being thin (MFMER, 2010) It can have serious complications on the body and be life threatening if not treated properly. During the early development years of adolescence, the body requires essential nutrients for growth, making the disease especially harmful on the bodies of teens. If not handled appropriately at an early stage, irreversible damage can be done to the body (Lofshult, 2006). This disease is always difficult to overcome, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, serious complications can be avoided and even reversed. MFMER, 2008). Two theories that can be used to describe and explain Anorexia in teens Eriksons Psychosocial Theory Erickson believed that people go through stages of development from birth to death. There are eight stages of human development in Eriksons Psychosocial Theory. These developmental stages include tasks that result from both biological forces and age related social or cultural expectations (Ashford, J. B. LeCroy, C. W. 2010). Eriksons Psychosocial Theory can be used to describe and explain Anorexia in teens. Teenagers are very much aware of their bodies. According to Erickson teens are concerned with the image they portray to others. During young adulthood which is the fifth stage in Eriksons Theory, the identity crisis that teens face is Identity vs. Identity Confusion. Banduras Social Learning Theory Banduras Social Learning Theory can help explain how Anorexia Nervosa begins. Bandura believed people could influence their environment through conscious cognitive learning. This theory contends that people learn through observations taking place around them. People observe behavior of others around them, known as models. Even if there is no reinforcement of the modeling behavior a person may imitate the behavior observed (Ashford LeCroy, 2010). This process requires indirect learning cognition of their environment. It is cognitive because role models must be observed and then information must be processed and stored in their memory to imitate the behavior (Cherry, 2013). Models are the key in the progression of personality development because of the observational learning principle. The Social Learning Theory combines the cognitive processes with learning principles. It ascertains that people learn when watching others, even though there may be no direct involvement (Ashford LeCro y, 2010). Contrast and compare the principal concepts as applied to anorexia in teens According to Eriksons theory, if a teenager is unable to make deliberate decisions they may experience role confusion, which may manifest itself in a number of ways. In the case of eating disorders, role confusion often manifests itself in what Erikson called a moratorium in which teenagers withdraws from adult responsibilities. If teens successfully work through earlier conflicts of childhood such as trusting others and believing in themselves, this moratorium may simply pass. When a teen has and eating disorders their earlier conflicts may not have been worked through, the moratorium stage may keep the teen stuck in childhood. Having an illness such as an eating disorder is a way to extend childhood and to ensure that the child may remain dependent on the parents without having to face the challenges of adult responsibilities. A major component in Banduras Social Learning Theory is self-efficacy (Ashford LeCroy, 2010). This refers to a persons belief that they are able to achieve specific behaviors. When a person has confidence in their ability to achieve a goal it is more likely that they will not give up easily and that they will be willing to work harder to succeed (Cherry, 2013). This is helpful in understanding how the mind works when a person is suffering with Anorexia. Research has shown that the media plays a significant role in the way teens view body image. (Harrison, 2001). Also if a teen believes they are fat, they will see themselves as fat when they look in the mirror, even if they are terribly thin (MFMER, 2010). In comparison, Eriksons theory is inherently dependent upon the childhood developmental stages and Banduras theory hypothesizes that changes can be made in the adult stage though confidence building strategies without accessing childhood experiences. Banduras modeling theory can be used to reshape body image ideals with current effective role models. Erikson theory will need intensive counseling to come to terms with childhood trauma for recovery to be effective (Bandura, Thoresen, Praeger, 2007). Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses to explain anorexia in teens The strength of Erikson Theory is that if teens successfully work through earlier conflicts of childhood such as trusting others and believing in themselves, this moratorium may simply pass. Teenagers have to find a balance between developing a unique, individual identity while still being accepted and fitting in. The weakness to this is that a teen has and eating disorders their earlier conflicts may not have been worked through, the moratorium stage may keep the teen stuck in childhood. For girls, even though its completely normal (and necessary) to gain some additional body fat during puberty, some respond to this change by becoming very fearful of their new weight and feel compelled to get rid of it any way they can. Teenagers are overloaded by images of thin celebrities. When you combine the pressure to be like these role models with a changing body, its not hard to see why some teens develop a distorted body image. Teenage that struggling with an eating disorder, are full of co nfusion, self-doubt and the searching for their identity. The strength of Banduras Theory in explaining Anorexia in teens, is how young girls are greatly affected by peer pressure they experience during the teen years (Harrison, 2001). Most women with Anorexia began to develop the disease in their teens, when peer pressure was at its height. However, it has been diagnosed in children as young as young as five years old and in women as old as 90. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) estimates that almost one percent of all female teenagers between the ages of twelve and eighteen have Anorexia Nervosa. It has also been determined that at least thirty percent of all adolescent girls engage in some form of unhealthy form of dieting. Researchers have concluded that teens who diet on a regular basis have a greater potential for developing this disease later in life than those who do not diet at all. For those that diet a severe level, they were eighteen percent more likely to develop Anorexia (Lofshult, 2006). It is important that we educate y oung girls to the possible dangers of excessive dieting (Harrison, 2001). As social workers it is necessary that we become aware of the severe consequences of early dieting and seek to help young people and their parents to understand that dieting can lead to a much higher risk of developing an eating disorder like Anorexia. Education of the disease is needed to change the culture that is promoted in the media today (Lofshult, 2006). Compare and contrast the theories compatibility with social work values and ethics to describe anorexia in teens and its commitment to economic and social justice Eriksons Psychoanalytical theory forms an important part of social work, as it helps practitioners understand the inner mental universe of affected individuals and helps them come up with effective therapeutic techniques. Today, many modern approaches like crisis intervention and cognitive-behavioral theories have evolved out of early psychodynamic explorations, which help people through individual counseling and rehabilitation methods. According to Erikson the period between school entry and puberty becomes a period of learning a mastering the more basic skills needed in society. Teenagers suffer from Anorexia because of the desire to be thin. However there is absolutely no doubt that the body image obsession is a major causal factor in the high incidence of bulimia in Western society. From a social work perspective the existing conditions should not always be perceived as the fault of the individual, based on his or her bad choices. Addressing social justice and encouraging social change is so important to the field of social work that the preamble to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics clearly states that social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. (Delegate Assembly, Approved 1996; Revised 2008, p. 2) Many girls that begin a bulimic lifestyle tend to start on or before puberty a critical stage of development where most of us begin to form lifelong beliefs about ourselves. As social workers must help clients understanding oneself strength, help them define who they are. One of Banduras most famous experiments which exemplified the social theory, through observational learning was the Bobo doll experiment (Ashford LeCroy, 2010) Bandura allowed children to observe an adult behaving violently towards a Bobo doll. Later, the children were sent back into the room with the Bobo doll and the children automatically began to imitate the violent behavior they had seen previously by the adults (Cherry, 2013). Bandura hypothesized from the childrens behavior that humans can learn from just watching others, even though there has been no formal teaching taking place (Ashford LeCroy, 2010). He identified 3 basic models that influence behavior, the live model, verbal instructional model and the symbolic model (Cherry, 2013). The symbolic model best exemplifies how social work values and ethics are related to anorexia in teens and encourages more of a commitment on anorexic teens behalf (Cherry, 2013). It is a clear social and economic injustice that the media is allowed to influence young girls in such a strong way by giving impressions of successful young girls and their size (Harrison, 2001). The symbolic model, involves fictional characters or real people being displayed in books, films, online media or television programs (Cherry, 2013). Society does not specifically tell teens that they need to be thin, but messages are sent via media that say otherwise (Harrison, 2001). Bandura indicated that external, environmental reinforcement was not the only factor that influences behavior. He believed there is also a central reinforcement of our cognitive thoughts, such as pride, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Bandura described these cognitive internal thoughts as cognitive development and said that they could reinforce behavior (Cherry, 2013). Young girls are highly motivated by feeling of acceptance by their peer and due to media representations by social media in America, girls are made to feel pride and satisfaction when thin (Harrison, 2001). Assess the theories contribution to social work practice. Eriksons theory of psychosocial development is one of the best-known theories of personality in psychology among teenagers that struggle with Anorexia. I feel that teenagers are unhappy with the way they look because all of the people on TV are good-looking and are living a good life. I also feel that there is too much pressure in being popular because you would not know who to talk to or to sit with at lunch. This can make teens be overly critical of ourselves, which will eventually lead to self-destruction. Banduras Social Learning Theory has many important implications in the field of teen development. Teachers, parents and medical professionals recognize today that modeling is an important aspect teen behavior. It is common today, for social workers and other professionals to use self-efficacy principles which are found in Banduras Social Learning Theory (Cherry, 2013). New studies show how the brain is linked to positive emotions and having a healthy view of oneself. It is now understood that a persons consciousness plays a major role in how the brain works. The focus of attention of a teen, what they continually think about, can alter their behavior and character (Bandura et al., 2007). Teens are bombarded with thin media in areas such as, magazines, movies, TV programs and billboards, which affects their continued mental processes on the subject (Harrison, 2001). Banduras theories are used to encourage new medical and psychological research that continues to help people learn new b ehaviors by refocusing their cognitive processes through positive outlooks and beliefs. (Bandura et al., 2007). Over the past three decades, Banduras Social Cognitive Theory has been the single most influential and highly cited theory in psychology (Bandura et al., 2007, p. 40). Social work is a professional and academic discipline that seeks to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of an individual. Social Workers we use the strengths perspective assesses the inherent strengths of a person or family, and then builds on them. Strength is defined as almost anything that assists a person in dealing with lifes challenges. It uses peoples personal strengths to aid in recovery and empowerment. Its really about reframing personal perception to find good even in the worst situation.

The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant Essay -- Guy Maupassant Necklace Ess

The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant ?The Necklace? The theme of Guy de Maupassant story ?The Necklace? seems to be suggested by the line, ?What would have happened if Mathilde had not lost the necklace. Mathilde Loisel grew up in poverty and had no expectations in life. When she got married, her and her husband would sit around the dinner table and imagine they were eating a luxurious meal. They would imagine using shiny silverware and eating their meal on marvelous plates. Together, they had nothing. Mathilde had no clothes, no jewels, and only one friend. One day her husband came home from work and handed her an invitation they had received to attend a ball. Her husband thought that she would be enthusiastic about it, however she busted out in tears. She wanted to attend, yet she had no dress to wear. After digging in to money they had been trying to saved, Mathilde purchased a dress for the ball. As the ball drew near, Mathilde decided she still needed something more to finish off the dress they had just spent ...

Negotiating with Chinese Essay -- Business and Management Studies

Negotiating with Chinese Introduction When a company want to establish in China they have to follow some unwritten rules based on the cultural development China ´s. You cannot come to China and doing business as you know it from Germany. That will not work. The chinese people will misunderstand you. In this assay I will give some informations about chinese negotiating methods and how western people can manage it, where they have to be careful. I chose this topic because in my opinion this is very important for doing business in China where you can see heavily the cultural differences between China and western countries. My assay will give information about this topic from the the first contact over the negotiation process to what may happen after the contract is signed. Getting in contact with Chinese companies Before you can negotiate with anyone you need to know with whom you can do business in China. There are different ways to get in contact with Chinese companies. - getting in contact with the â€Å"Außenhandelsgesellschaft† in Shanghai - contact the responsible ministry - trade fairs/exhibitions - specific lectures, lecture travel to institutes/universities/ministries - private advice companies with seat in Hongkong - finding a chinese single person who have good contacts (guanxi) - advertise in magazines and newspapers - contact Chinese great companies of the same branch and try to get in direct contact with them or to get informations about other possible partners - contact an other german company who already established their business in china and asking them to work as a contact person to china - asking the german embassy in china - speak to homebank, consolidated companies, chamber of industry and commerce These different ways to get into china are in a way ranked as how important or effectful they are in my opinion. Pre-Negotiation Negotiation with Chinese or getting in the first contact with Chinese can be made in several ways like mentioned above. The Chinese negotiation process starts with contacts with the Chinese partners. The Chinese are first of all interested in getting to know the other party during first initial contacts. They try to determine whether or not the foreign firm has: - the most advanced technology required for their project, art of business - the willingness... ...s not as worse as it in my assay sometimes seems to be. If you know and understand the cultural differences as a western person it is not easy but you will make good negotiations because in my opinion it is naive to think that chinese people do not know what your values are. They know as much as you know about them so they know that you manage the things in your country in another way round. So if you make a mistake I am sure chinese people will "forgive" (if it is not a part of the negotiating tactic to bring you in embarrassments with your mistakes). Very important maybe most important in my opinion is the face because this is also very important for the chinese. Do not lose ones face. That is for a chinese people often not really forgiveable. The worst case what may happen if you let a chinese negotiating partner lose his face is that the negotiating process finish immediately. So this in my opinion one of the most important thing western people have to take care of in the negotiating process. Last I want to say that it was very interesting to work on this assay because I got a further inside view through chinese negotiating and with this the chinese culture.

Funding the Rising Cost of U.S. Health Care Essay

Give your opinion of the rising cost of health care’s overall impact on the U.S. economy It is more expensive for individuals, families and employers to have health care coverage because of the rising cost. Spending on the use of new technologies, treatment, and high cost for medical services. There has also been a high cost on local, federal and state government which led to high cost on to medical and Medicaid. This spending of health care has affected the economy and now people have to choose between a need for health care of the need to have shelter, food, or not having sufficient funding. Health care spending is moving faster than the economy is growing. High health care rising cost is causing the government to re-examine eligibility for public health and rising taxes on the consumers is leading to reduce investments. The U.S. will not be able to compete in the economic global market. These rising cost in health care will affect business, house wholes, providers, employees, health status, income levels, age, and increase premiums. (Rising Health Care Costs ) http://www.ahip.org/Issues/Rising-Health-Care-Costs.aspx â€Å"Health plans are playing a vital role in reducing the cost of care and improving value†¦Ã¢â‚¬  – Karen Ignagni, President & CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans Health Plan Innovations in Delivery System Reforms, American Journal of Managed Care Compared and contrasted at least two (2) areas of the economy that the new health care act impacts. Small business and middle class families are two areas that the new health care act will impact. It used to be the economic strength in the U.S. was the small business owner. Small business has been strength to the economic by bring diversified groups opportunities of people to the workforce. Small business bring products have that are innovative to the services market. Small business has been able to create new jobs for the economic. However since the housing bubble in 2007 and 2008 small businesses are struggling very hard from the bank credits. Small businesses are the back bone to job growth and innovation for the economy. Small business owners who offer health care insurance to their workers are facing a hit by heavy taxes and high premiums for the employer. Small business pays up to 18% more per worker for health insurance than larger firms. This is a tax disadvantage for small business. Which cause profits to be eaten  up by higher health insurance cost and workers working for lower wages makes the small business workers, product, and market at a disadvantage. Small business(less than 50 workers) is less likely to provided health insurance. Back in the 50s and 60s a middle class family of three could live off a one person income which was the father. Mothers were house wives and people could purchase a home, car, and have a small savings. Families could go on vacation and own a late model car. The burden for middle class families today is the high cost for health care insurance and premiums. There have been an increase in unemployment and employees are scaling back on wages. Credit card debt gone up and slow job creation. Increase in bankruptcy files, income inequality and out-sourcing of America business has been causing problems for the middle class families. This growth in health care spending has change priorities for middle class life style. With saving money, retirement benefit pension, and 401K plans shifting. Middle class person who have been working all their lives, now rick the chance of not having sufficient funds to maintain middle class life style. Will the middle class be able to retire and live a middle class style? Middle class families are not sure if there will be available income for retirement. (http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/security/impact-of-rising-healthcare-cost-AARP) Debated the main pros and cons of using private insurance versus using the new affordable insurance.  Our population in this country has increase over the last 30 years and because of healthier life style and medical advances people are living longer. This can be a disadvantage to the patients who are using private insurance. This has put a strain on the private health insurance because most companies don’t cover previous medical conditions that cover injuries and short-term illness. Illness is something that happens on its own and worrying whether or not your condition is cover can add stress. After receiving a referral from the internal doctor the patient has to act as its own administrator who calls the insurance company to check, if the cost is cover before they can see a consultant for treatment. If you want more coverage you pay higher premiums. There also a disadvantage of having so  many private health insurance companies to pick from. Each representative only disc usses their company policies and not how their policy compares with others. Leaving the patient not knowing which one is the best offer for you. Private insurance advantages is you can choose where you want to be treated without a long wait. There are specialist teams that will deal with specifically types of conditions. There continuity cares that allows you to be seen by the same consultant until the end of your treatment. The new affordable insurance covers families, small business, and individuals with the cost assistance through the market place program. There are no limits on life time health care which this will cut down on large medical bills for long term illness. This will keep people out of debt. If you make a mistake on your application or if you are sick an insurance company can’t drop you. A person with pre-existing condition can’t be denied care or charge a higher premium. The new affordable insurance allows for parents to keep their children on their plan until the age 26 years old whether they live at home, married, or attend school. The affordable insurance has free preventive care for checkups, well woman visits, mange care to control chronic illness before they become costly to treat or complex. http://obmacarefacts.com/benefitsofobamacare.php) OBMA CARE FACTS dispelling the myths Analyzed the major impact this new health care system may have on different immigrant demographics; Predicted the cost associated with the changing the accommodation to facilities having to review organizational planning in order to actualize these changes

Human Infrastructure of Toyota Production System

In order to produce world-class, quality automobiles at competitive price levels, Toyota has developed an integrated approach to production which manages equipment, materials, and people in the most efficient manner while ensuring a healthy and safe work environment (Toyota web page). The Toyota Production System is built on two main principles: Just-In-Time† production (the manufacturing and conveyance of only â€Å"what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed), and â€Å"Jidoka. (to the ability to stop production lines, by man or machine, in the event of problems such as equipment malfunction, quality issues, or late work). Underlying this management philosophy and the entire Toyota production process is the concept that â€Å"Good Thinking Means Good Product. † From the systems perspective, the human infrastructure is a set of processes and structures within TPS. Key elements of that human infrastructure are: a. Effective utilization of every member’s time. b. Total participation at all levels . Encouragement of ingenuity Toyota has developed a system where the human infrastructure works harmoniously with the rest of the operating system. Some of the attributes of Toyota’s human infrastructure are intensive training, rapid problem solving skills, and teamwork. The expectation was that problems will be solved promptly, completely, and systematically. A review of the Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky, Plant case indicates the above key elements of human infrastructure were evident at various degrees. TMM did receive intensive training from TMC, starting a year ahead of plant opening, one-on-one, as well as having TMC trainers remain in Kentucky for a few years. However, as indicated in the case, team member’s time was not always effectively utilized. In some tasks, such as when a car had a seat problem the team leader pulled the andon cord to signal Ok and then tagged the car to alert Quality and moving the car to the Code 1 clinic area to see if the problem was correctable there. This process does not present value added and is in contradiction to Jidoka principles. As Friesen found out on his walk between Final 1 and Final 2, the workers interviewed only knew of a few seat incidents, which was contradictory to the data posted at work stations. This indicates very little involvement of the workers in the root cause investigation. The majority of defects indicate missing parts and material flaws. Application of the â€Å"Five Whys† exercise could very well indicate a supplier issue. The TMM case does not mention of any instance where team member ingenuity was encouraged or demonstrated in solving any of the prevailing issues that are causing the Andons. The only instance where the group leader, Shirley Sargent, had reported the problem with the rear seat hook, months had elapsed and she yet had to receive an explanation or participate in possible solutions. Another issue that would need to be investigated and analyzed is the steady increase, and disparity of Andon pulls between the 1st and 2nd Shift Rear Seat teams. This could indicate that non-standardized procedures are used or training deficiencies among the teams. Doug Friesen is correct in applying Jidoka in â€Å"going and seeing† the problem. There are key elements of the human infrastructure, such as: active encouragement of ingenuity, and worker participation in the solutions, that would help in the solutions. Also, a seat supplier kaizen is in order to identify NVA tasks, analyze the effectiveness of pulling problem cars off line for repairs, and prepare for the needs for the additional 18 seat variations expected for the Japan and Middle East markets.

My Sisters Keeper Essay

In the novel My Sisters Keeper, the author Jodi Picoult brings up the issues of moral ethics and family dynamics. She explores the balance between saving a child’s life and putting another child in danger. Although I think the main theme in the novel would be that you should always live in the present instead of future, and live life it to the fullest. My Sisters Keeper is a moving story about Ana who files a law suit over the rights of her body. Ana was born to provide blood, bone marrow and all sorts of body parts for her sister Kate who has a serious case of Leukaemia. While this book is serious and somewhat negative, I found a positive message between the lines. I think it is about not letting life pass you by and seizing every single day. This is the case when Kate is sick and Sara (the girls’ mother) is so preoccupied with Kate’s medical business that she forgets to just enjoy the time with her family while she still can. The family spends so much time concentrating on Kate’s death and what will happen when she does pass that they miss the time she has left living. Sara also does not realise that she also forgets to spend time with her other children when she is too busy with Kate and her treatments, and makes her eldest, Jese feel left out and abandoned. I believe that the theme of living life in the present and living it to the fullest is very relevant to today’s society, as everyone seems so busy and preoccupied with plans for the future. They are forgetting to live in the moment.

Writing exercises Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Writing exercises - Essay Example is the gripping, intense, and engrossing analysis of diverse group of jurors who are uncomfortably assembled together to deliberate after hearing some facts from an apparently open-and-shut murder trial. They leave to a jury room for civic duty and pass a just verdict for indigent minority defendant whose life is at crossroad. The jury of the twelve angry men, delegated the power to take an uneducated, teenaged and tenement-dwelling boy to electric chair for murdering his dad with a switchblade knife, literally locked themselves in a small, enclosed rectangular room on a boiling hot summer day and made a unanimous decision. The compelling, provocative film reveals the deep-seated, perceptual biases and weaknesses, personal prejudices, indifference, anger, cultural differences, personalities, unreliable judgments, ignorance and fears of the twelve men, which threaten to skew their decision-making abilities hence causing them to ignore real issues of the case, and make unjust actions. The jury room was characterized with heated discussions, the frequent re-assessment and changing of opinions, the formation of alliances, votes and certainties, and the re-consideration of personal experiences, outbursts and insults. Nonetheless, one brave rebellious juror was not part of the plot to cause miscarriage of justice at the commencement of the deliberations due to his reasonable doubt. Determinedly and persuasively, he urged the other eleven men to slowly rethink and review the wobbly case (and eyewitness testimony) concerning the endangered defendant. He further chastises the system for granting the unfortunate offender an incompetent court-appointed defense lawyer who â€Å"felt bitter about being appointed† - a case with â€Å"no glory, no money or much chance of winning† - and who inefficiently cross-examined the witnesses. The claims of juror No.8 was an example of ethical virtue. This film clearly shows the eleven jurors did not ethically deliberate and they could not

History 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

History 3 - Essay Example Despite enjoying all these earthly pleasures, the merchants and samurai who enjoyed the floating world felt that their lives were meaningless. The floating world came about due to the emphasis on formal education, literature and philosophy. The participants of the floating world culture included, sumo wrestlers, theater actors, prostitutes, geisha the samurai and the wealthy merchants. The more people were more knowledgeable after going through formal education, their social lives mainly revolved around the floating world. Tokugawa Leyasu assumed power after he was able to defeat the Hideyori (the son of Hideyoshi) loyalist and some of his other western rivals in the battle of Sekigahara in 1600 (Bentley & Ziegler 2011). This is after Hideyoshi had died in the year 1598. In the year 1603 Tokugawa Leyasu was appointed shogun by the then emperor. In the year 1615 Tokugawa Leyasu captured the Osaka castle. By capturing the Osaka castle this meant that he had no more rivals. Immediately after assuming power in 1600, Tokugawa Leyasu distributed gained land to the daimyo. Leyasu put in place a law that required the daimyo to spend every second year in Edo. Through these strategies the shoguns were able to control the daimyo as this made sure that daimyo were not financially stable. Tokugawa Leyasu promoted foreign trade with the English and the Dutch. However, Leyasu forbade the locals from travelling and abroad. This isolated japan from the rest of the world. During this time domestic trade and agriculture greatly improved. Another factor that led to the economic and population growth under the shoguns period was peace. Tokugawa was able to take control of warring states. Political stability also led to economic and population growth. The Qing dynasty ruled the Chinese empire from 1964 to 1912 (Bentley & Ziegler 2011). The Qing dynasty rose into power after the fall of the Ming dynasty. With the help of General Wu Sangui

Gibberellic Acid In Fruits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gibberellic Acid In Fruits - Essay Example These enzymes include cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, terpene synthases (TPSs) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2ODDs). It is used in the enlargement of ovary without any effect on the underlying ovary structure. Commercially, Gibberellins is used in Grapes farming to promote the growth of a variety of fruit crops. The effects of plant hormones are complicated biologically and biochemically hence they are not fully understood because of their unique effects on different plants. Gibberellins also known as gibberellic acids were first discovered by Eiichi Kurosawa, a Japanese scientist while investigating bakanae, the â€Å"foolish seedling† infection in rice (Yeoshua, 2005). The United States developed the interest about gibberellins after the Second World War. The Japanese rice farmers had long known of ‘foolish seedling’ a fungal disease that causes rice plants to grow taller and eliminate seed production. Later, the plant pathologists established that these symptoms in rice plant were induced by a chemical secreted by a pathogenic fungus, Gibberella fujikuroi. Japanese scientists started culturing this fungus in the laboratory and analyzing the culture filtrate in 1930s that enabled them to obtain impure crystal of two fungal â€Å"compounds† possessing plant growth promoting activity (Thompson, 2008). Teijiro Yabuta and Sumuki named one of these compounds gibberellin A because they isolated it from the fungus  Gibberella. In 1950s scientists from Tokyo, University isolated and classified three different gibberellins from gibberellin A sample, which he named them gibberellin A1, gibberellin A2  and gibberellin A3 (Cline & Trought, 2007). This system for numbering gibberellins used in the past 50 years was based on this initial nomenclature of gibberellins A1  (GA1), GA2, and GA3. Gibberellins (GAs) are

The subject of war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The subject of war - Essay Example By working around the central theme, the narratives powerfully show the nature of humans, their response to challenges of the environment and the endeavors they are willing to undertake as means towards an end. With that said, it is interesting to note what caused the war in Homer's epic and how it compares with Sheri Tepper's feminist science fiction. The Iliad, narrating the events of a short period in a very long battle, continues from the Trojan war which was caused by Paris' capture of the Spartan queen Helen. In the text itself, it is said that two lovely women, Chryseis and Briseis, are the root of all rampage. When their town is defeated by the Achaean forces, the camp's ruler Agamemnon demands to have Chryseis as prize while Achilles gets Briseis. Succeeding circumstances force Agamemnon to give up his reward Chryseis but then asks Achilles to hand Briseis over to him as replacement. Insulted by Agamemnon's order, Achilles refuses to join the Acheans in their fight against the Trojans and even prays to Zeus through his mother Thetis to punish the Acheans. Zeus addresses this by coming to the Trojans' rescue, signaling that the battle between the Trojan and Achean forces have resum ed despite their peace treaty. While it is shown that it is the women who caused the war in The Iliad, it is the men who caused the war in The Gate to Women's Country. The author, Tepper, elaborates on men's desire for power, the things they do in order to obtain it and the things they sacrifice in exchange for the accomplishment of their pursuits. Sheri Tepper book considers these as manifestations of men's innate character. Homer's epic makes use of women as instruments of war. On a deeper analysis, though, it is the competitive nature of men that has driven them to war. Every strong male character is tested for bravery, valor and loyalty. On the other end, women are depicted as slaves. The poem emphasizes the existence of a struggle in the world and the ability to win over this battle dignifies and glorifies humanity. This is an idea contemplated by a male. Ages later, Tepper would intervene with a story written from a perspective of a modern-world woman, dissatisfied with patriarchal rule, motivated towards change, with a proposal of her own. Figuratively, Tepper's women respond to Homer's men. In Tepper's country, Tepper's women downplay conflicts and emphasize cooperation among members of the society. The ultimate goal is peace, as if the main motivation for this writing is the lack of it in an earlier society. To Tepper's women, war in unnecessary and all their efforts will be poured towards preve nting it. As we look into the causes or war in each story, an underlying factor that heightens the conflict is discovered. More than gender issues, a more realistic cause of strife is social disorder. The story of The Iliad progresses in a patriarchal setting while the plot of The Gate to Women's Country proposes a revolution by a matriarchal structure. Both are stories dealing with gender issues which are about power and dominance. Agamemnon exhibits dominance over Achilles by demanding for Briseis and Achilles' reaction exposes the need to soothe the male ego. Were it not for Agamemnon's aggression and Achilles' yearning for revenge, the Acheans and the Trojans would not resume their battle since a peace treaty

Treaty of Versailles,Communism in Russia,Fascism,World War II,Cold War Case Study

Treaty of Versailles,Communism in Russia,Fascism,World War II,Cold War - Case Study Example As the paper declares communism in Russia came into place following the abolition of Serfdom in the 1861, Serfdom was a kind of slavery in which all the peasant were tied to a piece of farmland. The peasant are allowed to use the farm for the purpose of providing for the families and themselves but at the same time are forced to comply with their masters needs and requirements in all manner of sense which included military services. Abolition of Serfdom let to the mass migration into the cities leading to the neglect of agricultural as many people moved to the city. In the cities, they got involved in working for the factories during the industrial revolution in Russia. This group of people was exploited in terms f long working hors with law wages since they had formal association. This led to poverty epidemic and people became open to the communism idea, the situation was also accentuated by the fact that Russia had lost to Japan in 1905 in the Russo-Japanese war, the two situations made it possible for Russia to accept communism as a way of governance.This study outlines that  Fascism was a way of believing that one race is better than the other is and these were manifested in Italy and Germany. In this regard, fascism in Italy and Germany were characterized with the following beliefs.  The impact of fascism in the two countries led to the execution of masses that were considered lesser race.

The Benefit of Games Essay Example for Free

The Benefit of Games Essay A sound education system is one that seeks the overall development of an individual, both in mind and in body. In fact the main purpose of education is to encourage the growth of a healthy mind in a healthy body. A good career that brings a high income alone does not guarantee a happy life. One must also be endowed with good health. Only a healthy lifestyle with a healthy eating habits and lost of exercise can bring about health. Therefore, games should be made compulsory in schools. Games promote positive qualities like team work and sportsmanship. In games which involves in team like football, volleyball and basketball, players must cooperate with one another to ensure the success of their team. There is no place for selfish desires and personal glory. On the other hand, when the team loses, all the teammates share the blame. Games and sport make the school life interesting. They add variety. Imagine having to study a whole day and then having to sit for exams. It will be both monotonous and boring, just as the saying goes ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. ’ Every game has its own set of rules and regulations. Players must adhere to these rules and regulations. If a player goes against any of them, he will be penalized. Games, thus, help students to be disciplined. Similarly, students become aware that as they grow older, they have to conform to the norms of society. If they do not, they run the risk of being ostracized. Games which are held after school hours will keep students occupied. They will not have time to pursue undesirable activities such as loafing and watching blue movies. This proves the adage, ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. ’ Taking into consideration the numerous benefits games and sports have to offer, it is imperative that they be included in the school curriculum.

Contemporary relevance of Porter’s Five Forces to corporate strategy

Contemporary relevance of Porter’s Five Forces to corporate strategy Introduction Porters Five Forces introduced back in 1979 by Michael E. Porter from Harvard University in his first book Competitive Strategy. It becomes international best seller, and considered by many to be a definitive work on corporate strategy. The book itself had been published in nineteen languages and re-printed almost sixty times, changes the way business leaders thought and remains a guide of choice for strategic managers the world over. It has become an important tool for analyzing an industry structure and strategy process [Morrison M., 2008]. Porters work has had a greater influence on business strategy than any other theory in the last half of the twentieth century [referenceforbusiness.com]. The tool provides a simple perspective for assessing the position and competitiveness of a corporation or business organization within the industry. Porter points out five forces which the upturn and downturn, will affect the profitability and existence for a corporation or business organizatio n. Business leaders and managers might be interested in this paper for the purpose of this paper is to discuss the contemporary relevance of Porters Five Forces to corporate strategy. An attempt also being made to find what is missing from this model related to corporate strategy in current business environment. In so doing, a comparison will be made between Porters Five Forces and another tool for corporate strategy. Another assessment made concerning the business environment in Porters era and current business environment. Porters Five Forceshttp://wiki.telfer.uottawa.ca/ci-wiki/images/e/e4/Porters.gif The development of this framework is based on the idea of attractiveness of an industry. As for the attractiveness itself, is determined by the profitability within the industry. More profit means the industry is more attractive and low profitability means a low attractive industry. The way of thinking in the model is to achieve a better competitive position against other players. The competitive advantages developed from strengthening the own position within this Five Forces. The Five Forces framework is based on microeconomics. It considers supply and demand, substitutes and complementary product, and the relationship between production volume and cost of production; also the market structures such as monopoly, oligopoly, or perfect competition. Threat of new entry The chances in which new competitors can enter the market and drive the current players price down. The threat to entry depends on six major forces of barriers which Porters describes as: economics of scale, product differentiation, capital requirements, cost disadvantages independent of size, access to distribution channel, and government policy. The decision of the new-comer also pretty much influenced by their expectation on the existing player. If the incumbents known for previously fought vigorously to new entrants, or possess such substantial resources to fight back (such as excess cash, unused borrowing power, available productive capacity, or clout with distribution channel and customers), the new entrants will likely to have second thought on entering the market. This also happened if they know that the incumbents seem likely to cut the prices. New entrants fear more also when the industry growth is so slow so that newcomers can gain volume only if they take it from the incu mbents. Bargaining power of supplier Another force Porter mention in the model is how powerful the supplier to drive up the prices of is corporate input. The term supplier includes all sources of input that are needed to provide the product. A supplier of group is powerful when it is dominated by few companies and more concentrated than the industry it sells to. The products are also differentiated or unique means relatively no substitutes for the particular input so that it built up the switching cost. The power of supplier also increase when there is a possibility for the supplier for integrating forwards in order to obtain high prices or so. Also when the industry is not an important customer of the supplier group or when it is not obliged to contend with other products for sale to the industry. Bargaining power of customer Similarly, bargaining power of customer settle on how powerful is the customer can impose pressure on margins and demands. Buyer are powerful if it is purchase in large volumes and/or the product it purchases is standard or undifferentiated, means they can always find alternative suppliers. Customer will also become more powerful if the products it purchases from the industry form a component of its product and represent an significant fraction of its cost, in other words, the customer become more price sensitive. Furthermore when they know that the company earns low profits, which create great incentives to lower its purchasing cost; and when the industrys product is unimportant to the quality of the buyers product or services, then the bargaining of customer increase. More threat comes from the possibility of the customer to integrating backward and has the ability to produce the product themselves. Another factor mentioned by Porter is that customer will be more prices sensitive w hen they recognize that the industrys product does not save the buyer money. He gave an example of logging of oil wells, where an accurate survey can save thousands of dollars in drilling costs, therefore affect the market price. Substitute products The extent of which substitute product can be used in place of one product. Porter highlighted the characteristics of substitute products that deserve the most attention as those products that are subjects to trends improving their price-performance trade-off with the industry product or are produced by industries earning high profit. Porter also said that substitutes come into play when the competition within industry increases which lead to price reduction or performance improvement. Jockeying among competitor for position within industry This factor describes the strength or the intensity of competitiveness among the existing players within the industry. High rivalry limits the profitability of an industry. Factors that shape the intense rivalry in a industry are: (a) payers are roughly equal in size and power (b) the growth of the industry is slow, precipitating fights for market share (c) lacks of differentiation and switching cost of the products (d) strong willingness to cut the price either because the fixed cost are high or the product is perishable (e) high barriers to exit the industry (f) capacity is normally augmented in large increments, and (g) diversity of strategies, origins, and personalities of the rivals. Other than the intensity, the dimension basis in which the rivalry takes place also reflects the strength of the rivalry such as price, products features, support service, delivery time, and brand image. Whether the competition takes place in the same dimension, or the rivals converge to compete on same dimensions. Strategy Crafting What do you want to achieve or avoid? The answers to this question are objectives. How will you go about achieving your desire results? The answer to this you can call  strategy. William E Rothschild, Former General Electric Corporate Strategist, CEO of  Rothschild Strategies Unlimited LLC Corporate strategy is about how a firm or business organization should make a decision of series of steps to achieve the desired goal. To create the best decision, the decision maker must be able to analyze the current and expected factors associated with internal as well as external environment. With strategy, one company can be more prepared and comfortable to operate on the market, because good strategy should have examined all the forces involved in business activities. Strategy planning can be developed in three levels, which are: company level, business unit level, and functional or departmental level [Morrison M., 2008]. Corporate strategy Æ’Â ¨ concerned with overall purpose and scope of the business to meet stakeholder expectations. This level of strategy concerned with the selection of business in which the company should compete and with the development and coordination of the portfolio of business. This is a crucial level since it is heavily influenced by the investors in the business and acts to guide strategic decision making throughout the business. Corporate strategy is often stated explicitly in a mission statement along with the formulation of visions and goals. It also decide on how business unit to be governed; through direct corporate intervention (centralization) or through autonomous government (decentralization). Corporate strategy also seeks to developed synergies across the business units. Business Unit StrategyÆ’Â ¨ is concerned more with how a business competes successfully in a particular market. It concerns strategic decision about choice of products, meeting needs of customer, gaining advantage over competitors, exploiting or creating new opportunities or market, etc. The strategic issues is about developing and sustaining a competitive advantage for the product and service that are produced. Functional or Departmental Strategy Æ’Â ¨ the strategy level of the operating divisions. It is concerned with how each part of the business is organized to deliver the corporate and business unit level strategic directions. The functional units translate them into discrete action plans that each division must accomplished for the strategy to succeed. Operational strategy therefore focuses on issues of resources, processes, people, etc. Functional units involved in higher level strategies by providing input into the business unit level and corporate level strategy, such as providing information on customer feedback. Business environment in current era Current business environment much likely to be characterized by more dynamic market situation. The digitalization and globalization contribute to this dynamic movement. The power of information technology (IT) grows more and more each day. And as it grows, all players in the market can have access to more information. The world is flat, globalization made great improvement in distribution of logistics and communication, enable all business to operate globally. Meanwhile, the customers have the chance to shop also on a global level, and compare the prices globally. The trends and demand now changed as the increased commoditization in so many areas. Companies now must be able to differentiate themselves by give more value for their products. One way to do that is by improving customer experience, through the improvement in the service area. Customers now want individual service and attention, and have high expectations for the goods and services they buy. Other tools for corporate strategy David P. Baron nonmarket approach: 4Is Business environment consist of market and nonmarket environment. An effective corporate strategy must be able to facilitate both market and non-market goals of the company. In relation to this, Baron introduced his 4Is, with emphasis on non-market environment. This framework together with Porters Five Forces formed the integrated strategies. The nonmarket environments are social, political, and legal setting that affects the interaction of the corporation outside and in conjunction with, the market environment. Barons define the characteristics as four Is. The first is Issues, of what nonmarket strategies address. Issues in nonmarket environment cover the regulations, proposed laws, court judgments, etc. Second is set of relevant institutions for the particular industry. Regulators or government is usually always become the relevant official body that affect a corporation decision making process. NGOs are also another example of institutions. Interests are individuals and groups with preferences about the industry. Baron includes this factor to address the identity and goals of those with a stake in the issue. Also information concerning with what the interested parties know or believe about the relation between actions and consequences and about the preferences and capabilities of the interested parties. This factor let us to think, what info needed to reach the goal? what is persuasive for the other parties? Prejudices, rumors, state reports, almost all public relations stuff is included in this factor. SWOT model Æ’Â ¨ covering external and internal forces Another tools being used for corporate strategy is SWOT. SWOT models addressing the internal and external forces. The Strength defines what characteristics impose by a company that can be used to keep hold on the market or even expand it. Weakness is really the opposite, this factors is any kind of lack the company has that can affect its existence in a bad way. Both strength and weakness is internal factors. Meanwhile, the external factor is covered by the Opportunity and Threat. Opportunity discuss about all issues or current condition of the environment that can give a better chance for the company to improve the operation. The threat talks about all threatening situation from the environment in which the company operates. More of this are, opportunity and threat, be explored more in Porters Five Forces model. Contemporary relevance between Porters Five Forces and corporate strategy Any organization, especially ones dealing with corporation or business environment realize that their success depend on both internal and external factors. With his Five Forces, Porter tries to emphasis on the most important or most influencing forces to the business profitability and existence. The competitors, the new entrants, new substitute, also the bargaining power of both supplier and buyer covered most aspects of a business activity. Indeed, Porters Five Model focuses heavily in competitive strategy, which is essential. To be specific, the Five Forces, mentioning competition, are related more to analysis of external forces from the market environment of the strategy. Of course, all business organization will always seek the best way to maximize corporate profit and determining the attractiveness of an industry. This is a need that will always be in managers mind in every industry, from every era. Therefore, through his model, Porters tries to give a framework that can help the decision maker to create a strategy where enable the company to stay in the market, defend their current position, and even grow the market size. It supports the decisions about to enter or to exit from an industry or market. As a business leader, it is important to understand the competition in the industry. The model can be used to compare the impact of one competitive force on our own company and to the impact on the competitors. With the knowledge of power and intensity of competitive forces, the strategy can be developed in way that gives the company options to influence the forces to improve their own position, such as new positioning or differentiation of product. It also gives the details on how to prevent the new entrants. Not only new entrants, the strategy should be able to cope with the substitute product that is getting more and more accessible now for the customer. Bargaining power of supplier and buyer is more relevant to supply and demand. It is essential to know which side of supply and demand equation our business is referring to. The framework tells us how profitability can be affected, in good way and in bad way from the context of industry rivalry and competition. It creates to positi on the firm to leverage its strengths and defend against the unfavorable effects from the five forces. Generally speaking, the model talked about the profitability and survival of a company. Referring to the definition of corporate strategy, Porters Five Forces seems irrelevant. Corporate strategy designs the grand strategy for the company grand purpose. And almost no company has a mission statement for to be the most profitable or so. Most company longing for sustainability; to be able to hold on success for a long term period. They achieve this by creating more value through their business, managing portfolio business, and developing business units; things that we dont learned through Porters Five Forces. Profitability is just one way to get to the grand purpose. That is the reason why, for the grandiose strategy of a company, to be based on only Porters that is focus on profitability, is unadvisable. The strategy such as focus and differentiation for competitiveness can be implemented at business unit level strategy to create competitive advantage. It may be relevant in corporate l evel as for the interest of stakeholder, indirectly. When the business unit strategy is achieved the desired goal, which most likely to be more profit, this is also will considered as favorable by the investors. Corporate strategy also concerned about the development and coordination of portfolio of business. The complexity that portfolio has cannot be found in the Porters model. Multi-variance product, multi-company in different industries, all this density of current market environment made Porters Five Forces become less practical. Other relevance is the dimension of competition. It is something that decided at the corporate level. Porters mentioning that based on the competitive advantages, we must choose the dimension of competition and it is best to create a battle field in that dimension, not in other dimension. This is about knowing our company competitive advantages and where to compete and win over the rivalry. What others are missing? Porters Five Forces did not describing the other external factor like regulator and social environment of the company. Porters Five Forces made based on the economic situation on the eighties. During early eighties, the economic situation is more stable and predictable development in industries compared to today dynamics. It is also characterized by cyclical growth and also by strong competition [D. Recklies, website]. Thus, in Porters era, the main objectives of many business organization or corporation are profitability and survival. Porters model focuses on analysis of the actual situation of companys customers, supplier, and competitor; and predictable development from new entrants as well as substitutes. Global and networked markets, as mentioned previously, force the business players to think more in the corporate strategies. Now, it is not enough to only position oneself as a price-leader or quality leader. Competitive advantages now comes from the ability of the company to de velop a way to maintain the relationship with more mobile customer and also to manage the networks that could be located in other part of the world. Porters Five Forces treats customer and supplier as third parties, which they no longer are. Corporate, suppliers, and customer now have extended relationship. And how this relationship managed is not less important than competitive advantages, because it creates values which harder to obtained and maintained than profits. This side of Porters Five Forces, lack of value-adding analysis made Porters Five Forces is less applicable in corporate strategy. In addition to that, in spite of always strengthening position within the industry with competitive advantages to compete against the competitor, co-operation with competitor by mergers and acquisition is also one way to maintain the existence and survival of a business organization. Hence, this model cannot keep up with dynamic situation in the current business environment. Globalization and digitalization Porters did not include how technology developed and that it is a strong force on competitiveness. Whereas, Porter did not explicitly mention it as a force, but it IS there. New entrant and new substitutes could mean that the competitor could have innovations background. New machines can affect the bargaining power of supplier too, in example. Not to mention how information spread unbelievably fast, and wide, around the internet. Experts coined the term of internet economy for this decades in which internet have been so embedded in everyday life. Various e-business applications have strongly influenced almost all industries. The development of the information system gives new opportunity for players from outside industry to chance the basis of competition in a market. Porter did not mention how technology will affect the competitiveness. The difference is that on Porters era, technology is something more like a tool to implement the change. But now, with its more rapid growth compare to eighties, technology has become a most important driver to a change. Non-market environment Needless to say, nonmarket environment, as brought up by Baron, also one important forces that must be considered in crafting the strategy. Any kind of corporation or business organization must dealing with social, politics, and legal arrangement, directly and indirectly. Of course, Baron extended work from Porters Five Forces expected to be able to give the best model to develop the so-called integrated strategy. Dynamic market structure Porters model assumes relatively static market structure. Yet, todays market is far from static. Dynamic market entrants, supported by more technological breakthrough, may change the entry barriers, the business model within short time. The model also assumes that all companies always try to get competitive advantages and win over other player in the industry. The dynamic market structure have new way of thinking of survival than to compete and kill each other. It is designed to analyze individual business performance. It is not considers strategies such as synergies and strategic alliances (mergers, acquisition), electronic linking of information system of all companies along a value chain, virtual enterprise-networks or others [D. Recklies]. This model also cannot assist the more complex structures of industries. The analysis cannot cope with multiple group products, by-products, and segments. And narrowing the focus only in one industry is too risky in todays corporate strategy. T his model also not yet considering that sometimes it may be possible to create new market than compete in the existing market. Nevertheless, later in his paper on 2008, he includes how technology is one factor that can greatly affect competitiveness and rivalry in an industry. Not only had that, he also included other factors such as government and complementary product that can affect the companys profitability. In this paper, he also mentioned how a change in industry structure shifts each of the five forces. In general, Porters Five Model has some limitation in todays market environment application and on its relevance with corporate strategy. In relation to corporate strategy, Porters model might be a little help for defining in which dimension or market out company wants to operate, although this dimension might be converted again once the strategy derived to business unit level. However, with all the lack Porters Five Forces had, the model is not completely obsolete to current business. Porters is an economist, so the model is basically the simple way of how he describes the microeconomics. He describes the attractiveness of the industry that is influenced by the five forces. This is also explains why the model always repeat and focusing more in profitability; for economics talks about profit maximization. Even now, business still operates in five forces framework describes by Porter. The model enable the decision maker, the managers, to think about the environment surrounding their i ndustries in a structured way, easy-to-understand way as a starting point for further analysis. Conclusion In summary, while Porters Five Forces seems less reliable concerning the current competitiveness in the industry (in terms of technology or innovations involvement), it is still manage to help strategic focus of the company in profitability and survival within the industry. The models assist more in business unit level strategy and less applicable in corporate strategy level. Corporate level strategy talks more about value which we hardly find in the Five Forces. Yet, indirectly the success in business unit level strategy supports the achievement of corporate strategy. Porters Five Forces is still relevant to current strategy planning, yet today business players must considered more things such as the growth of globalization and technology and how it will affect the other factors, if not creating its own forces. The tremendous growth of technology nowadays cant be separated in any aspects of life, and that including corporate strategy. However it might be, technology leads to innovation which will influence the every step a company have to defend its market and even expand its market. Certainly, a corporate strategy should not be carelessly made without take note of the non-market environment. In addition to that, examination on the nonmarket environment also should be conducted to support the strategy on market environment of a company. Another kind of analysis also may be needed to examine the dynamic state of markets. Porters framework becomes one of the tools in developing a strategy, maybe as a starting point, but not the most important or the only model being used. A good strategy never should use only one or few model as a basis.