A Blind Man Makes Him See

â€Å"Cathedral† (28) is Raymond Carver’s short story about the anticipation and fulfillment of one man’s encounter with his wife’s blind friend. The man, who is also the narrator, is wary of this rendezvous, having known no blind people in his own life up to that point. His ignorance is apparent as he thinks of blind people only from a cinematic perspective. He tells us â€Å"My idea of blindness came from the movies. In the movies the blind moved slowly and never laughed† (28). From his cynical and insecure tone, we can tell that the main character is a complacent man full of self-doubt with an inability to think outside of world that he knows.The narration, however, changes unexpectedly after the blind man has been at their home for the evening. He undergoes an epiphany as the blind man opens our narrator’s eyes to an existence he did not know was possible. The main character’s insecurity is underscored by his inability to acknowled ge the significance of another man in his wife’s life, whether an ex-husband or simply an old friend. This is exemplified by the fact that he avoids mentioning the name of his wife’s ex-husband.While this may seem like a negligible factor, it would not be so important if the narrator did not make it aware that this omission of detail was entirely and defiantly intentional. He harps â€Å"Her officer—why should he have a name? He was the childhood sweetheart, and what more does he want? †(29). Additionally, during the visit he morosely sits and watches his wife and Robert, the blind man, converse hoping to hear her mention his name. â€Å"I waited in vain to hear my name on my wife’s sweet lips: â€Å"And then my dear husband came into my life† –something like that. But I heard nothing of the sort.More talk of Robert† (32). When the conversation does turn toward him, he at first cannot engage due to these insecurities and discom fort with the blind man. â€Å"From time to time, he’d turn his face toward me, put his hand under his beard, ask me something. How long I had been in my present position? (Three years. ) Did I like my work? (I didn’t. ) Was I going to stay with it? (What were the options? )† (33). Clearly our narrator is not thrilled with his life and does not care to do anything about it where as the blind man so far had a life that seemed more fulfilling in spite of his impairment.The narrator admits that Robert was â€Å"regular blind jack of all trades† (32). He also makes note of Robert’s ability to function as a normal human being – something he never realized was possible. Robert ate, drank, and smoked just like anyone else and could even tell if the TV was color or black and white. It is this attention to Robert’s ability to function that begins the narrator’s change. The narrator’s epiphany crystallizes with his attempt to desc ribe the cathedrals appearing on a late-night television program to Robert.Robert suggests that the he draw the cathedral and envelops his hand as he draws in order to physically trace the silhouettes as they are drawn. The narrator is then instructed to close his eyes and keep drawing. At that moment, the narrator shares a commonplace with the blind man as they both trace the silhouettes of the drawing without being able to see. The narrator says â€Å"It was like nothing else in my life up to now† (37). Even after told to open his eyes and look at the picture he had drawn, the narrator does not. He says â€Å"My eyes were still closed. I was in my house. I knew that.But I didn’t feel like I was inside anything† (37). At that point the narrator is released from the captivity of his ignorance and insecurity. He was not impaired by his closed eyes as he was still able to draw the cathedral and even though he was at home, it is as if the confinement of walls and b oundaries did not exist. It is at this point that he is able to see the way the blind man sees – without his eyes, with all other senses liberated. Work Cited Carver, Raymond. â€Å"Cathedral† The Norton Introduction To Literature. By Alison Booth and Kelly J. Mays. New York, 2010. 929-42. Print.

Reflection on Jack Hodgins ”By the River” Essay

In the story of By the River, the author relates the love story between the young woman, Crystal Styan, and her husband, Jim Styan, in the terms of faith, responsibility and dream. After reading this story, I wonder that why Jim chose to leave and why Crystal still believed he will come back, even though she realized that her dream of the life with him would not come true. When Crystal was in grade ten, she gave up the opportunity of studying further and chose to live a wonderful and idyllic life with Jim. After they moved to the log cabin which sits on the edge of river, they began to build a farm. Since Jim was lack of farming knowledge and had no any experience before, six chickens were frozen to death in the cold winter and the cow that he has just bought stepped off the train and ran away. He eventually abandoned his house and wife irresponsibly and left on the train after he cannot accept the fact that the dream of becoming famer will not come true. In contrast, Crystal always believed his husband and tried her best to help Jim realize his dream, even though sometimes she understood the decision that living with Jim was wrong. Crystal has always loved Jim so that she trusted her husband will be on the way home one day and came to the station to wait him for the past six month. But all are delusional and impossible, her husband will never return on the train, because the conductor told her that he was not on board. In conclusion, this kind of woman, Crystal, is frankly pathetic because her husband ruthlessly abandoned and left her without any words, while Jim is certainly looked down upon by others, because he is self-concern and irresponsible for their love and relationship.

Robinson et al Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Robinson et al - Essay Example studies as the other studies did not report the data that was required in calculating the effects of the components of their leadership variables and used unitary leadership. Thus, studies available were too small and there was generalization of results. The second limitation is that the study did not conduct the leadership impact on both the academic and non-academic outcomes due to the limited number of studies that were available to make it practical (Robinson 2008, 58). Critiquing student 2, first post- The posting brings a very clear introduction on the different leadership styles and the impact they have on the student outcome outlining the purpose of the study very clearly. From the finding, educational leaders who continue being involved in learning and teaching have a positive impact on the student’s outcome that is very practical and essential in enhancing learning (Jogulu 2010, 711). The type of leadership will also differ among different schools according to the students’ needs thus, it is important for the schools to determine the appropriate type of leadership that is outlined clearly in the posting. For the second posting student 2, it site lack of evidence from other studies as a great limitation of the study. It questions the motivation behind continuing with the study due to non-availability of other studies. This is not a major study limitation. The unlimited unavailability of other studies should act as a great motivation of carrying out the research (Kythreotis et al. 2010, 221). The available studies are enough and relevant of conducting the study as it is only an expansion of more researches and studies, that more available evidence and correlations will be found. However, it is true that a definite bias occurs due to the skewness of the available evidence. There is coherence and logic as presented by the writer in his arguments on the influence of the leadership styles on the student’s outcome. The writer starts by outlining the

Community Health Outcomes and Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Community Health Outcomes and Evaluation - Essay Example The intervention plan is depression screening for the elderly promoted as a public policy model that seeks to combine and integrate mental health and primary medical services in one delivery intervention framework. The essential elements of the framework will be outlined and addressed. A scheme of integrating depression screening in primary nursing gerontology care will be proposed by reviewing studies dealing with depression in the elderly population and outlining how mental health can be integrated in primary care by suggesting specific training processes for nurses that will enable them to identify and address depression and its conditions in the elderly. Forming part of the public policy intervention plan, evaluation of the proposal will be addressed along with its application to the intervention scheme. Evaluation will be a repeated-measures design for both the nursing population under training and the client population. Limitations will be discussed as well as how the public po licy project may be sustained over time. Public policy models entail changes not in one institution but structural changes across the larger model of social delivery processes affecting the wider population. The elderly population will be increasing at greater rates over the next two decades. The current public political climate reflects an increasing unwillingness of local governments to improve responsibility for the safety net provisions required by the elderly. Public policy must be influenced to standardize an intervention framework that would integrate depression screening into primary general care for the elderly. This study will adapt an intervention model after a review of other integration models. It will then produce an evaluation strategy based on Reedy et al who demonstrate how program evaluation indicators could be adopted into implementation strategies as essential evaluation models of public health services. Literature Review Luchins argues that depression screening as far as it is operative as a quality indicator falls more under the purview of the administrator that that of the clinician. This would make depression screening a policy declaration or requirement mapped to some department goal. As a quality indicator and not as a practice guideline, depression screening would then demand a different kind of evidence evaluation, evidence based on a "chain of assumptions underlying the decision" for its use and application (p. 108). Quality indicators are administrative rules, or guidelines. They may affect different groups of patients than clinical screening for specific illnesses may affect. It has been demonstrated that physicians in general seem to ignore diagnostic information from other staff. Luchins main point is that depression screening many not be effective in the absence of other interventions. The one intervention in which it has shown to be effective is that of collaborative care (Gilbody). Luchins view of collaborative care comprise s three elements. They are a case manager, the primary care physician, and input from a specialist (p. 111). A more adaptable view of the model explains collaborative care as structured where by nonmedical specialists play a greater role in augmenting primary care (Gilbody). The management of depression in primary care has proven evasive (Seekles, 2009). Seekles et al proposes a stepped care model

Active Directory - a Contemporary Network Management Techniques Research Paper

Active Directory - a Contemporary Network Management Techniques - Research Paper Example The network administrator can have right of entry for the majority trees in the forest together with a definite end user's domain. On the other hand, the end user, at the same time as capable to access his/her personal domain is not capable to access additional trees. The whole discussion outlines that active directories are an enormous method to systematize a huge organization’s computers data and network. Without the utilization of an active directory, the majority end users would have computers that would require to be updated separately and would not have right of entry to the main network where data can be processed and reports can be produced. Despite the fact that active directories are tremendously technical and have need of many skills to find the way, they are indispensable to keeping information and data on networks. Mostly large organizations handle right of entry to their employee network and security policies by means of Microsoft Active Directory. Several are satisfied with the system, however a number of states it's complicated and also hard to employ. â€Å"One confront is having the time and capabilities to actually describe Active Directory consequently it's reliable and facilitates   the organizations to put group rules that work for IT and the users," stated Mark Cardono, an IT expert for the Shore Educational Collaborative, a Chelsea, Mass.-based special needs school serving 10 districts in Massachusetts. The AD provides the network management facility is a hierarchical arrangement, as well as this arrangement, is typical changes into 3 major groups, those are given below: - Network resources. The resources can be printers or some other hardware. - Services. These services are for the end-users like that web-based email servers. - Objects. These objects are the major functions of the network domain. In this scenario, when this takes place wrongly, the Active Directory arrangement is not extremely tolerant. Setting the incorrect rights in the incorrect hands could guide to an entire reconstruction of an organization’s network domain.

Multiple topics outlined Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Multiple topics outlined - Essay Example Author focused on the relation with everyday things. He changed his point if view. He has become more phenomenological than an experientialist, and this transition is quite vital. It is noticed that from last many years, there are no proved concepts available, which are related to the science of experience based logic. He was expecting a surprise from his positivist co-workers. His concepts are changed from the traditional approach of hard science. The approach of hard science is based on experimental results and it is supposed to be an objective, positivist, rigorous and logical approach. Another approach of usability design or experience design needs a mental attitude and it is commonly known as subjective, post-positivist and experientialist approach. The author focused on the dichotomy of objective and subjective approaches. The book is basically about the emotional designs. This is the fourth book by Norman on the topic about everyday things. The other three books are not relate d to the theme of this book, but all these are only used to understand the feelings of the author. The book contains the chapter on â€Å"Personal Reflections†; this is called the refresher of book. Cognition is rutted concept with related to emotions. The manifestation of two in the functionality or behavior describes the good product that means the good design of the product with including the effectiveness of the product as well. According to the previous concepts of Norman’s focus was on usability and the behavioral manifestation, and his new changed concepts presented in this book are related to the effectiveness of the product rather than the design. The brief description about three main characteristics of the effective, behavioral and cognitive components are presented here in the paper. Three different aspects related to the design of the product are shown here. The three aspects of products design are named as visceral design, behavioral design and the cognit ive or reflective design. The visceral design is about the outer most appearance of the product. This may be in the type of sight, sound, smell or feel etc. The immediate and effective response, emotions about the designed product is the core of this aspect of design. The behavioral aspect is about the pleasure and effectiveness of use. The response from visceral aspect is very important for behavioral aspect. The bad or geed response reflects the performance of the product. The main purpose of this aspect of design is functions, performance and usability of the designed product. In the third aspect of cognitive design the rationalization of choice is considered. The understanding of the product is the main part of this aspect. For the design procedure of any kind of product or thing, these three aspects must be followed. Without following these concepts, production of products is nearly not possible. According to Norma’s theory, emotions are changed in the way we think, mean s that our emotions are dependent on the thinking. He wrote that emotions are very important for things used in our everyday life. So the subjective aspect is more demanded for everyday things as compared with objective approach. The author illustrated his concept about objective and subjective approaches through many related examples. The innovations are mostly logical based due to need for business point of view rather considered as the emotion. Author believes that advancement in the

Psychology 43 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology 43 questions - Essay Example Paul lives in Cordelia Street, which was a working class neighborhood with haggard-looking businessmen rushing off to their work and though it was a decent place to live Paul seemed to loathe his neighborhood immensely. As for his school, Paul had the same sentiments and despised everyone; he was filled with a certain superiority complex that caused him to belittle everyone around him. The only place he ever loved was Carnegie Hall and did his duty as an usher wonderfully. In this very place Paul discovered his undying passion for the theatre and arts, and being around these things had a soporific impact and he completely forgot about all his worries in life. And in Carnegie hall he completely changed as a person and it turned out to be an escape for Paul from the troubles of his real life. 2. What is the significance of the fact that his father and other men in his neighborhood worked for the "iron kings"? Whom does his father want Paul to emulate? Is such a role model suitable for Paul, given his character?   The legend of the ‘Iron kings’ was about a group of Cash boys and soon stumbled upon great fortune and the fact that Paul’s father had worked for him symbolized that one day Paul too, like these Cash boys would have a life of great wealth and luxury. He was always busy dreaming about a life full of luxury.

Comparing and Contrasting Ideas About Education Developed by Al Essay

Comparing and Contrasting Ideas About Education Developed by Al Ghazali and Seneca - Essay Example Al Ghazali learnt and developed his philosophical knowledge in terms of Islamism. At the same time, he was inspired by ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle. He was focused on the spiritual dimension of education. He developed "Manners to Be Observed by Teachers and Students'" and was focused on promotion of purity of mind and knowledge as the final and the only one goal in life, because it leads to spirituality and closeness to God. His ideas may be interpreted in the following way: both teachers and students are the servants of God, only teachers stay on one step closer to God, then their students. Teacher’s role in education plays a function of mediation between the spiritual closeness of students to God and God. It is interesting to note that spiritual dimension is the right way to learning or knowledge gaining. It is impossible to reach nothing without it. A role of a student is described as a passive character, who is allowed only to a small portion of knowledge that is enough for his small mind. There is no need for superfluous knowledge. There is an evident subordinate relation between a student and a teacher. The former should show humility and modesty. Knowledge learning happens as a step-by-step process. There is a need to devote your mind to this process in order to gain the highest knowledge. Teacher is an individual with a pure mind, who is able to select the most appropriate portions of knowledge and teach it to his students. There is a need for him to be sincere with his students and to teach them clear things. At these last two points, we can claim that AI Ghazali ideas are relevant to modern teachers and students only partially. Anyone nowadays consider knowledge as a means to develop our minds. It is a means to get a better job and to gain much money, as a rule. Nevertheless, there is a need to promote tolerant and sincere relations between the students and the teacher, only it is necessary to underline a partnership nature of this kind of relations. It can be argued that philosopher underlines the necessity of life-long learning, because modern professionals have excellent skills in one or two fields. It is impossible to be professionals in many fields. It is better to devote one’s life to only one selected occupation. Unfortunately, the contemporaries do not consider the process of education as a way to enlightenment or a way to God. With respect to Seneca’s ideas about learning, we can claim at once that his approach is more up-to-date and interesting for the modern teachers and students. Seneca follows the principle of stoicism, which underline that good life is based on reason and harmony with nature. Therefore, wisdom and virtue are the final goals of education. Wisdom even not always correlated with education, as the philosopher claims. On the one hand, Seneca underlines that virtue comes from knowledge. We develop our minds in the process of learning and make it opener for new horizo ns. Every person should study and identify his virtue through knowledge. On the other hand, there is no need to learn the integrative elements of any science, such as syllables, curves or diagrams if there is a closed mind. A free man is able to cognize liberal sciences. They are developed for him. It is not

Lineage of Sin and Death Essay Example for Free

Lineage of Sin and Death Essay The Genesis account of Adam and Eve speaks about the commission of original sin as man first tried to disobey God’s command. It was when they first gave in to evil temptations that they sinned against their creator. From the very beginning, God said to Adam that He allows them to eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden but never from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (New American Bible). The Church preaches that the original sin corresponded to the loss of faith of man in their creator as well as an abuse of the freedom afforded to him or her by God. Having sinned against God opened their eyes to the existence of evil in the world. The original sin produced devastating results. It brought forth death and destroyed the loving relationship shared by God and the rest of His creation (Domning Hellwig, 2006). Likewise, the will of man is permanently damaged as a consequence of the commission of original sin. Such sin may be characterized as the loss of original inviolability and justice affected the descendants of Adam and Eve due to the will’s weakness. Man does not uphold original justice and righteousness anymore but rather is tempted by sinful and self-seeking desires. The constant evil temptations as well as the loss of the benefits of original inviolability and justice tainted Adam’s soul, and being his progeny, the rest of humanity were similarly condemned. The mark of original sin is handed down to all of Adam’s descendants from the time of birth and with it are the effects of death, ignorance, and misery. In the end, the mercy of God still prevails (Humphreys, 2001). The salvation of humanity over sin and death was made possibly through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ on the cross. In obedience to His Father’s plan for salvation, the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ redeemed the world from the pains of hell. It was a blessing from a merciful Father for the expiation of original sin committed by His children against Him. References Domning, D. P. , Hellwig, M. (2006). Original Selfishness: Original Sin and Evil in the Light of Evolution. Burlington, Vermont: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Humphreys, W. L. (2001). The Character of God in the Book of Genesis: A Narrative Appraisal. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. The New American Bible. (1987). Nashville: Catholic Bible Press.

Internet Makes Life Better Essay Example for Free

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

Virtual University System Limitations

Virtual University System Limitations Virtual University:  Literature Review Technology today allows us to record, analyze, and evaluate the physical world to an unprecedented degree. Enterprises in the new millennium are increasingly relying on technology to ensure that they meet their mission requirements. It is important to note here that, â€Å"Educational organizations have been referred to as complex and arcane enterprises† (Massy, 1999). For educational institutions, this reliance on technology will require new mission statements, revised catalogs and other materials, different learning environments and methods of instruction, and, perhaps most significantly, new standards for measuring success. To achieve these objectives, several initiatives in the form of web based systems, simulations, games etcetera are being developed and tested. Among these approaches, simulations and games are found to be the most effective ones (Massy, 1999). The author will review one such initiative, namely ‘Virtual U’ also known as Virtual University (Vi rtual U Project, 2003). The author will begin with a brief review of the use of simulation and gaming approaches in educational institutions. In the last decade, behaviorist approach has given way to constructivist approach in the field of instructional design. Behaviorist approach is an instructor led approach in which formal concepts and systems can be transmitted to students by giving them formal descriptions in combination with the presentation of examples (Leemkuil et al., 2000). On the other hand, Constructivist approach is a student led approach in which the students learn through activity or social interaction such as games, simulations, and case studies (Jacques, 1995). Gaming is considered to produce a wide range of learning benefits like, improvement of practical reasoning skills, higher levels of continuing motivation, and reduction of training time and instructor load (Jacobs Dempsey, 1993). Games are effective communication tools because they are fun and engaging (Conte, 2003). Simulations are also very close to games. Simulations resemble games in that both contain a model of some kind of system and learners can provide both with input and observe the consequences of their actions (Leemkuil et al., 2000). Virtual U was conceived and designed by William F. Massy, a professor and university administrator and the president of the Jackson Hole Higher Education Group (PR Newswire, 2000). The project was funded by $1 million from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York. Data were provided by the Institute for Research on Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania (Waters and Toft, 2001). In designing the game, Massy and Ausubel (Program Director, The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation) included detailed data from 1,200 U.S. academic institutions, as well as information culled from government sources (Schevitz, 2000). The first version of Virtual U which was released in the year 2000 was produced by Enlight Software of Hong Kong and was sold commercially for about $129 (Goldie, 2000). The Virtual University system was developed along the lines of the popular game known as, ‘SimCity’. The primary objective of the Virtual U game was to develop the skills of the players for managing an educational institution. According to Moore and Williams (2002) ‘Virtual U will let you test your skill, judgment, and decisions’, while managing an educational institution. This game based environment has been designed specifically to enable any person to tackle various scenarios and problems that are usually encountered in an educational institution. â€Å"The game is driven by a powerful simulation engine that uses a combination of micro-analytic and system dynamics methods and draws on an extensive compilation of data on the U.S. higher education system† (Massey, 1999). Technically the system was developed using C++ in a windows based environment. Virtual U in its current state does not run on the ‘Macintosh’ based systems due to the us age of proprietary windows based graphics. However, it is envisaged by the authors that a version for Macintosh users will be developed in the near future. The Virtual U game employs several strategies and allows the user or the player as per his/her requirements (Rainwater et al., 2003). In general the player is appointed as the University president and allowed to manage the University as a whole. In this role the player is concerned about institution level policies, budget etcetera. Then there are scenario based strategies like improving teaching or research performance in a particular faculty, where the player assumes the role of a faculty head (Rainwater et al., 2003). Lastly there are a possible 18 chance cards. Chance cards are emergency situations that arise during the game play and require immediate attention. Overall, Virtual University not only allows players to explore secondary and tertiary effects of a couple of years worth of actions they might take as academic administrators but they can also customize it by adjusting everything from the size of the faculty and student body to the cost of maintaining campus roads and buil dings (Conte, 2003). Moore and Williams (2002) identify a few limitations in the Virtual university system. 1. One needs to have extensive administrative knowledge or experience to play Virtual U effectively. The amount of prior knowledge required may prohibit some of the audiences to use the system. 2. Second limitation is pertaining to performance indicators. There is lack of assessment-informed decision making in the game. The â€Å"teach better† goal is one of the game scenarios, yet there is nowhere a link between the teacher quality and the student learning. 3. Educational quality and prestige indicators are the two performance indicators the developer advises the player to pay close attention to. Within the educational quality framework, one has access to quantitative inputs and outputs (for example, number of degrees granted) rather than measures of quality. Also there are a limited number of variables which a player can chose or adjust (course mix, number of students shut out of courses, level of faculty teaching talent, class size, faculty morale, and faculty time devoted to teaching activities). The prestige indicator is even more limited. 4. A final Virtual U limitation identified by Moore and Williams (2002) is its lack of flexibility in the area of faculty management. While a player may reallocate departmental resources, teaching loads, and priorities in hiring new faculty, he cannot actually fire or remove faculty. The developers acknowledge on several occasions that the game is fairly complex and is not easy for beginners to start with (Massey, 1999). The author of this review believes that learning a complex game will be fairly difficult and time consuming for the users (administrative) who are already on a tight time schedule. Even postgraduate research students seldom get time or would like to play games if not related to their own research. Younger students would be easily attracted to such complex games and learn them quickly even though it might not be of much use for them in the short term. In addition to these factors the availability of a windows only version of the system will restrict an ever growing community of ‘Macintosh’ users in the United States educational institutions. Despite the above mentioned limitations, Virtual U is a useful and laudable effort (Moore and Williams, 2002). On the whole the Virtual U is a good introduction to those that wish to get a feel fo r the day to day operation of a university (Waters and Toft, 2001). References Conte, C. (2003). Honey, I shrunk the deficit! Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=77042147Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQD Ellington, H.I. Earl, S. (1998). Using games, simulations and interactive case studies: a practical guide for tertiary-level teachers. Birmingham: SEDA Publications. Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review Of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdf Goldie, B. (2000). A computer game lets you manage the university. The Chronicle of Higher Education Retrieved February 17, 2006, fromhttp://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=47712857Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQD Jacobs, J.W. Dempsey, J.V. (1993). Simulation and gaming: Fidelity, feedback and motivation. In: Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review Of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdf Jacques, D. (1995). Games, simulations and case studies a review. In: Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdf Leemkuil, H., Jong, T. d., Ootes, S. (2000). Review Of Educational Use Of Games And Simulations. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://kits.edte.utwente.nl/documents/D1.pdf Massy, W. F. (1999). Virtual U: The University Simulation Game. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://www.virtual-u.org/documentation/educause.asp Moore, D. L., Williams, K. (2002). Virtual U. Assessment Update Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=aphan=10350107loginpage=Login.aspsite=ehost PR Newswire, (2000). Virtual U Released; University Management Goes High Tech Computer Simulation Tackles the Management Challenges of Higher Education. February 17, 2006, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=55540413Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQD Rainwater, T., Salkind, N., Sawyer, B., Massy, W. (2003). Virtual U 1.0 Strategy Guide. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://www.virtual-u.org/downloads/vu-strategy-guide.pdf Schevitz, T. (2000). University Game Plan / Professor emeritus computer simulation lets players test skills as college administrators. San Francisco Chronicle, February 17, 2006, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=47957859Fmt=7clientId=8189RQT=309VName=PQD Virtual U Project. (2003). Virtual U. Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://www.virtual-u.org Waters, B., Toft, I. (2001, October) Virtual U: A University Systems Simulation. Conflict Management in Higher Education Report Retrieved February 17, 2006, from http://www.campus-adr.org/CMHER/ReportResources/Edition2_1/VirtualU2_1.html

Missoula Flood :: miscellaneous

Missoula Flood Human beings existing, breathing, and walking around on a measureless, changing and growing quickly as times goes by. Similar to the human growth, landforms kept on changing rapidly over years after years. For many centuries, geologists believed landscapes were formed through a long process known as uniformitarian- a â€Å"gradually† slow process of changing its landscapes toward its environments. Evidence of multiple catastrophism- a â€Å"speed† process of landform has been developed over the years, especially during the time of J. Harlen Bretz, a remarkable geologist who defied the scientific belief of his day and argued that sudden flood of almost unbelievable force rather than the slow uniform process. By recognizing the effects of catastrophic flooding on the Columbia Plateau of eastern Washington, the Missoula flood was brought upon the geologist community. The event of Missoula flood caused spectacular changes in landscapes. Even though thousands years of land erosion, scars of the flood still visible and noticeable. This significant event made remarkable changes in the geology, and guide us to a new level of understanding the causes of changes in the past leading to present and into the future as well. Landscapes around us significantly change because of the Missoula flood. Bretz began to realized the area of Puget Sound- area filled with valleys and complex drainage channels and had been covered by mountain glaciers - is made up of giant discarded river channels during the time of glaciers expansion nudged the drainage system southward. (p. 19) One of the places that Bretz visited was Columbia River Gorge, a stretch of steep river valley that cuts its way through the Cascade Mountains. (p. 27) Here Bretz found certain number of misfit rocks called erratics, a rock type that located distance away from their area of origin. Erractics not only came from the coast but the interior of Washington and Idaho. Found their way into the Columbia Gorge, their boulders have clearly avoided the usual breaking up and smoothing down that occurs to river tumbled rocks. Rolling, grinding, and polishing action did not transport these erractics, something irregular has occurred. Their sizes are a thousand times larger than the river gravels and are likely to be angular rather than smooth. At the same time, Bretz notices the oddness of its dry falls in the Columbia Gorge on the U.S. Geological Survey map of Quincy Basin, showed up clearly at the western end of the basin.

Compare and Contrast From the Motorway and The Pylons :: English Literature

Compare and Contrast From the Motorway and The Pylons The poems From the Motorway and The Pylons both share the same similarities between their subject matter, themes and tone, however the writes use different literary techniques to convey their message. The two poems warn the reader about the spreading of modern urban life. From the Motorway states how man has made Britain uniformly dull and removed her beauty. 'asleep in the promise of being nowhere anyone would like to get to' This quote shows places that have not been touched by the growth of the motorways and how quaint and tranquil they are. 'this dwarfs our emerald country by its trek' This quote fromThe Pylons tells the reader how the pylons are travelling across the country, not realising the damage they cause. However From the Motorway has amore jovial tone and uses a lot of irony to include humour: 'Britain is mending her desert' This is ironic because Britain is actually making herself into a desert and destroying rather than mending. The Pylons has a more serious tone 'Now over these hills they have built the concrete That trails black wire; Pylons' This quote explains how the hills were peaceful until the pylons had taken over and that the land had been desecrated by concrete, which was not of the natural ground. The structure of The Pylons is of five stanzas, each of four lines, each stanza with a change in mood. 'That turned on sudden hidden villages. Now over these small hills, they have built the concrete' The last line of the first stanza is describing a peaceful village , part of the countryside and the first line of the second stanza tells the reader of the desecration of the stone, the tone completely shifting. From the Motorway has a structure that is all in one sentence so that it sounds like the ongoing motorway 'among rich and ragged, sprinter and staggerer' This quote simulates traffic using unpronounceable alliteration. In the beginning of The Pylons, the fist stanza is an almost dream location in the middle of the country, before they were destroyed 'The secret of these hills was stone, and cottages Of that stone made' These first two lines sound biblical. The hills are as if they had been in this way forever and the cottages had been made in equilibrium with them, of the local natural stone. 'And crumbling roads That turned on sudden hidden villages' The villages and roads had been made without changing the landscape in any way; the villages so in tune with nature that they were part of the landscape, and could suddenly appear round a corner on a windy country road. The beginning of From the Motorway is more upbeat.

Law Makers Have Become Law Breakers in India Essay

I am sure that most of us would be reading newspapers or listening to news on radio or TV. And more often than not, one of the headlines these days cover a scam or corruption conducted by the very people who have been entrusted with a responsibility to make or protect the laws of the land. And sadly, the extent of such transgressions is increasing with each passing day. In the wake of such woeful commentary on the state of affairs in our country, I am bound to be one with the fact that â€Å"Law Makers are now Law Breakers†. The rot of our society has been going on for years and we kept looking the other way. Power started acting as a catalyst or disease, transforming simple human beings of honest backgrounds into demons devoid of honor. They started eating up our ethos and we still looked the other way. Criminals supported these corrupt public servants to get their raunchy ways covered up. But now criminals have stopped stooping over such people. They themselves are now becoming law makers. And the sorry state is that we have started living with this disgracive turn of events. BUT for how long. Isn’t it time we put down our foot and stop this before it eats up our society. The below data could cause shivers amongst most of us. Of the 545 current Lok Sabha MPs, over 30% have criminal cases against them – 67 of them facing serious charges of murder, rape and extortion. Out of approx. 4000 sitting state MLAs over 31% are muddied with criminal cases against them. And the story doesn’t end here. A survey on Asian officialdom notes that Indian bureaucracy is the worst in Asia. More and more bureaucrats are getting indicted in gross misuse of power for their ulterior motives. The number of complaints received against police officials in 2011 stood at a whopping 61700 (that is over 170 complaints every day). Needless to say, only 18% of these complaints were converted to registered cases. So the question now is – Have all law makers become Law Breakers. The fact sadly is that perhaps not all but WAY TOO MANY. But what’s the solution. Is there any Perhaps not†¦at least not till WE reform ourselves. The fact is that we, Indians, have lost the virtue of truth and honor in  ourselves, More often than not, we have adopted our famous â€Å"chalta hai† culture – whether it is in driving on roads, or filing our IT / Sales Tax returns or filling up a simple application form for a new job. We have lost the value of truth. We have lost the value of LAW. If we do not value integrity and honesty in ourselves, we will not value these qualities in our Law Makers. We will keep on electing such corrupt and tainted representatives and hence choose this â€Å"Law Breaking† tendency to permeate in our society. In any job, even to get appointed as a teacher in a private school, a reference check is conducted to ensure that no person with a tainted or criminal background is recruited. However no such check is conducted by our political parties while finalizing its list of its candidate. The main criteria, there, is not their ethics or morale, but their â€Å"ability to spend money† and â€Å"their ability to win†. This has to be changed and fast. Kudos to the Supreme Court in India, it ruled that any person convicted should be immediately debarred from his parliamentary seat and also from contesting elections. I hope that political parties would see great sense in it and apply this in letter and spirit. And in case our leaders do not see value in this judgment, we should force them to see it. We should STOP casting our vote to such people which checkered backgrounds. We all, have to take some affirmative steps to stop this rot of Indian ethos. We have to vow to stand up, in whatever small way we can, against this rapidly flourishing weed of â€Å"Law makers becoming Law breakers†. We should STOP giving and accepting bribes. We should STOP hiding our true income. AND we should STOP accepting flouting of laws by anyone. We should STAND UP and RISE, against anything that is unethical and unlawful. This is not easy and may take more time than what we might assume. But, believe me, this is the ONLY way to stop the degradation of our rich past and our righteousness.

Regulatory framework for financial reporting Essay

Introduction In the next couple of pages the author will firstly discuss the main advantages of the crossroad growing adoption of IFRS, and how does it particularly benefit investors and managers. The author will also be discussing the most significant challenges of the adoption and expansion of the IFRS in the future. Further more the author will, suggest how the IASB and its key constituents should face these challenges and overcome them. IFRS International Regulatory framework for financial reporting Before we get into discussing the advantages of IFRS let us first begin with a little introduction about what IFRS actually does. Regulatory framework for financial reporting was designed in order to form a sort of common language that businesses and companies accounts are clear and comparable in international environments. This has started as a consequence of expanding of international trades and shareholding. This system has been particularly welcoming by companies that are operating in several countries. This is due to the fact that by adopting the same system companies can easily compare and view their financial statements. The IFRS was fist introduced to the European Union in order to systematize accounting standards. This concept quickly became popular even outside of the European union and was adopted by countries all over the world. Globalization is a great factor why IFRS is being adopted by countries outside th e EU, as accounting can be though of as a language form and if all companies report under the same regulatory framework communication between them is much clearer and faster. Between the years of 1970 to 2001 a different account system was used known as International Accounting Standards (IAS). By April first in 2001 a new international Accounting Standard Board was introduced and they have adopted the already existing IAS system and developed the standard as well as renaming it to IFRS. Advantages of the crossroad growing adoption of IFRS In the researchers opinion the IFRS is highly important, or in other words beneficial for managers nowadays, because it makes a lot of things easier. You can compare it to a Border free Europe through the European Union. With the IFRS managers have an international accounting handbook which makes merges and acquisition for international companies easier because there is only one accounting language. As already mentioned earlier not all countries have adopted the IFRS system. Due to increasing globalization most companies are pro adopting the IFRS system as investors or in other words users can easily understand it across the world. Even before the International Regulatory framework for financial reporting was introduced was companies used different Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAPS). As Europe has its most dominant system used the (IFRS) so does for example India and the US have their own systems that they choose to adapt. The fact that there are different financial sys tems involved can make it difficult for an outside user, since they cannot fully understand the financial reporting system that is adopted by another country. Nowadays with the increasing number of global investors and information exchange there is an increasing need for common financial reporting language. The International Accounting Standard Board have accomplished that 120 countries worldwide have adopted the IFRS system and made it the single set of standards. An advantage for adopting this system would be simply the strengths of jurisdiction increase. Some countries had no problems with this but other chose to take different paths. The first major adoption of IFRS was in 2005 when 7000 EU countries began using the new system. Japan has adopted this system a couple of years later and by 2009 the IFRS was officially accepted. On the other hand still a large number of countries have not adopted this system amongst them is U.S that has celebrated a 10th anniversary in 2010 of the ISAB system. Still we can see an increasing pattern of countries that are adopting the IFRS regulations. Of course U.S has its reasons for not accepting the IFR S system and they themselves have described their system as exhaustive and they are as well dealing with a lot of difficulties and sensitive subjects such as pension accounting or lease accounting. Of course this system has a lot of benefits. As many of its standards the IASB has lead the use of a fair value accounting system as an replacement to the traditional cost accounting. The greatest benefits of this system are that it’s considered to be more  relevant and transparent. A lot of countries could not accept the IFRS system completely due to their local politics or other economical reasons. Some countries on the other hand have adopted the system completely for example Australia or Japan. Other countries accepted the system partly just for specific segments such as Banking. China and U.S have also eventually made their adjustments to convert to IFRS in order to remove differences between national accounting standards. Even big audit firms that included Deloitte, PWC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Ernst & Young and KPMG have agreed that by replacing the local system with the IFRS was a solid way of insuring international comparability of financial statements. The fact th at this was accomplished shoves that accounting worldwide has reached harmonization and this is a great advantage for companies and users worldwide. Convergence champions like China, rather want to have the Convergence, because they want to remain flexible and adapt the accounting rules to the particular needs of the national economy. This is done so that they can keep an eye on the local economy. The Chinese government also fears that Chinese companies could use this as a tool to manipulate with reported profits. There are more then one negative aspects of the IFRS such as strategic tension on fair value accounting. This type of accounting has been greatly criticized as for being difficult to apply as well as subjective mostly in poorly developed markets. Fair values also seemed to be more involved with the short-term conserves and this put the long-term stability of businesses and even economy at risk. The problem with fair values was that due to short-term recording that were increased temporally in market values in financial reports. This was a problem as it created panic by forcing reduction in the book value of an asset. Gilles de Margerie (CFO of the French Bank Credit Agricole) says: â€Å"The IASB has been too dogmatic, too reluctant to listen†. The main problem was that the fair value measurement of derivatives required by IAS could know the income statement of many EU-Firms. In the year of 2004 the European commission has for some time being excluded the disputable parts of IAS 39 from its agreement. Even though there were problems with the IFRS it is being worked on and the imperfections are being corrected. Another negative aspect of the IFRS is that the IASB stakeholders argue that fair value standards for banks financial reporting have inflated their asset values in the economic boom times and due to that overstating their losses when the  financial markets collapsed. So practically their cant be global banking regulation if there are different accounting systems. Due to this fact the IFRS can no achieve its full potential. This imposes a lot more debatable questions on the IFRS regulations. Should it put more stress on full adoption or convergence with its IFRS rules? Should it make more adjustments to make it easier for the U.S. to join the system? In addition to IFRS should it also focus on harmonizing enforcement and auditing systems? 1 If we find answers to this questions and find regulations that say that every country is running with this system the IFRS â€Å"mission† will be a very difficult task, because like already Ian Mackintosh, head of the U.K. Accounting Standards Board said: â€Å"Convergence is an impossible dream. You will always find issues where you basically do not agree and where both sides have good reasons for not agreeing. You have to make decisions† Conclusion In this assignment the author has discussed the main advantages of the crossroad growing adoption of the IFRS, and how it particularly benefit investors and managers. The author has also discussed the most significant challenges of the adoption and expansion of the IFRS in the future. Further more the author has, suggested how the IASB and its key constituents should face these challenges and overcome them. In the authors view there should be a adequate balance found between the IFRS standards and the convergence of other countries that did not adapt this system. This should be done, as it would be convenient for everyone of the standard were similar in some ways. Reference Prague College: Login to the site. 2013. Prague College: Login to the site. [ONLINE] Available?at: http://courses.praguecollege.cz/mod/resource/view.php?id=50815. [Accessed 15 March 2013]. Understanding IFRS convergence – YouTube . 2013. Understanding IFRS convergence – YouTube . [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zalWNtILbKY&feature=related. [Accessed 15 March 2013].

The Importance of Math Skills In Manufacturing

The importance of mathematical skills is extremely evident in the field of manufacturing. In many cases, Jobs in manufacturing revolve around math and the skills that come along with It. Often the success of manufactured products depend on the correctness of several different fields of math that are used in the processes that take place in a plant. The financial success of a manufacturer can also often depend on mathematical skills.Between the quality of products and their production prices and all that goes along with creating a product, math is the center piece of manufacturing. In manufacturing, the quality of the products produced Is one aspect that really depends upon math. This is because measurements taken must be precisely taken or the product may be defective. Also calculations of quantities of something needing to be made have to be exact.This Is where the amount of profit made depends on mathematical skills, because if too much or to little of something is made It will hur t the profits made by that specific good. Because of this, whoever Is In charge of quantity in production must be good with taking in previous data and estimating hat's needed. Often times skills with conversions are also required because of the diversity of measurements that could field, which is very common, one must have be knowledgeable with decimals, because often very small measurements are used along with the machines' preciseness.Throughout the field of manufacturing, mathematical knowledge is an essential skill to have. It is crucial to be good with numbers and measurements if one wants to succeed in manufacturing. This comes into play throughout the field of manufacturing, because math is used so often in so many different instances for many different reasons during the process of The quality of the products produced rests on the correct measurements and calculations of what needs to cut or aligned or whatever the the case is.The prices of these products also often depends on math, because the right amount of goods have to be estimated or the price can be drastically affected, which can in turn have large affects on profits of the manufacturer. Truly, math skills will either make or break someone in the field of manufacturing, because it is so important to most Jobs in the field.

Lord of the Flies differences

In Lord of the Flies there are some differences between the â€Å"Castle Rock† at the end of chapter six the Beast from the Air with the beach as it has been described throughout the book so far. The differences are the beach is used for the littluns to play and build sand castles. While the Castle Rock has just been discovered and Jack said, â€Å"What a place for a fort! † meaning that he is thinking about something and will use it as a protection or safe place. Lastly the beach has more resources to offer than the Castle Rock. The Castle Rock is more like a hiding place for them and while the beach is a place for them to stay and occupy. To commence, the Castle Rock and the beach are a place on the island, but the Castle Rock is a place up on the mountain top as Ralph, â€Å"led the way over the rocks inspected a sort of half-cave that held nothing more terrible than a clutch of rotten eggs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  While the beach is where the water pool is and the shelters. The shelters are beside the beach where the boys sleep built by Simon and Ralph and with others that helped out. As William Golding describes the Castle Rock as a place that has â€Å"rotten eggs† meaning things that are not useful and the beach has boys that some stay there not being useful by not helping out the others boys. Furthermore, the beach is where the littluns play and build their sand castles whereas the Rock Castle is just observed and walked by Ralph, Jack and the hunters and this place they are not familiar with. The littluns construct castles and use their imagination, â€Å"round the castle was a complex of marks, tracks, walls, railway lines†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Golding tells the reader that the littluns miss their home so they build these castles to keep their hopes up that there will be a day they will be back home. The Rock Castle is a place that Jack said would be for a fort but Ralph does not like the idea while Jack is so excited and building up ideas as he is at the Rock Castle. The beach is where the boys are comfortable and feel safe but in the Castle Rock they still do not have that comfort level because, â€Å"some of the boys wanted to go back to the beach. Some wanted to roll more rocks. †On the other hand the beach there is fruit that the littluns can reach and eat; they have water, the pool that is supposed to be used as a lavatory, and space where they can play around. But in the Castle Rock like Ralph said â€Å"there’s no food here, and no shelter, not much fresh water,† there are more advantages in the beach than in the Castle Rock because there are more resources for them to use in the beach than on the mountain top. As Golding describes the scene of the Castle Rock is like a very small place and not enough room for things or people to hide, â€Å"because you can see. Nothing goes in or out. † And â€Å"there was nowhere to hide, even if one did not have to go on. † Castle Rock is different than the beach because this is where they believe that the â€Å"beast† has landed. Simon felt a flicker of incredulity, â€Å"a beast that scratched, that sat on a mountain-top, that left no tracks and yet was not fast enough to catch Samneric. † This is what Simon believes a beast would be at, but never thinks it could be at the beach. But is this beast they are talking illusions of human beings acting like the â€Å"beast† or is it really a creature? Because the â€Å"beast could represent themselves but now some of them are getting scared of each other that they think this is the â€Å"beast†. Maybe Jack later on will want the Castle Rock and go live over there because â€Å"Jack was excited! when they had reached Castle Rock therefore given an inference that Jack will want to occupy this place and abandon the beach where mostly the majority has stayed. Last of all, in the island where the boys had been stranded the beach is only there real shelter, water, and fruit for the littluns, the pool for lavatory, for littluns to play, build sand castle, and for the biguns to relax and let the sun tan there skin. Whereas in the Castle Rock it is a place half-cave with â€Å"rotten eggs† as I refer to things that are not useful around just like some of the boys at the beach that are not useful and do not cooperate with the others. The Castle Rock is limited to few things that the beach offers, it has less space, not too much water, and it is more of an area to be a fort. Jack is so excited about this place that he wants to stay there to build a fort, but Ralph does not like the idea because he is a person that thinks long term meaning will or is there enough food, water, and shelter, where Jack is a person that just goes for his needs and thinks only for himself.

Analysis Of Pacific Coffee In Festival Walk

Analysis Of Pacific Coffee In Festival Walk Pacific Coffee is a Hong Kong home-grown coffee brand established in 1992. The mission of Pacific Coffee is to provide the perfect cup anytime, anywhere. Pacific Coffee is active in making contributions to society and communities, while at the same time emphases the importance of protecting environment in their business. Strength ii. Reading-book service (make Pacific Coffee a multi-functional place for spending leisure time); iii. Special seat for people working with their own computers (may not increase revenue in short run but in long run can increase consumer’s loyalty); iv. Inside area has dark decoration with soft light offering a relaxing atmosphere for customers spending times with families, chatting with friends or working on their own business. But for people who prefer bright environment, they can choose outdoor open area which brings a different atmosphere and feeling. Up-to-date technology with long-time partner PCCW: free Wi-Fi service, on-line order service an d several computers in the shop are offered for its consumers. No matter for business or leisure, the availability of these services is essential for a great number of consumers. High-quality employees-crucial human resources: nearly all employees are proficient in both Mandarin and Cantonese while also have at least basic master of English. Employees are smiling and patient when they talk to customers. Pacific Coffee fully realizes the importance of this crucial resources and offer various training to its employees regularly so that they can provide excellent service and ultimate customers’ satisfaction. Local brand and good reputation-vital intangible resources: Pacific Coffee has been recognized as the ‘Best Coffee in Hong Kong’ and has won several honor in Hong Kong Magazine’s ‘Readers Choice’. And since Pacific Coffee has always devoted itself to community affairs, environment issues as well as promoting fair trade, it has a pretty good c ommunity image and good reputation among customers. High quality product–professional coffee beans: collecting top plateau coffee beans from all over the world. Today more and more customers are not satisfied with instant coffee anymore and focus more on the quality of coffee. So the quality of Pacific Coffee is quite crucial for its success.

A Project Concept Note Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

A Project Concept Note - Coursework Example otive Innovation geared towards encouraging and recognizing the creation and development of new innovative products,technologies and ideas aimed at changing the face of the UK automotive industry. This concept note has been prepared for the automobile manufacturing companies stressing the importance of employing Knowledge Based Engineering systems with the aim of improving their fields of developmental methodologies through a shorter developmental time thus improving the quality of their systems(ARMSTRONG, 2001:24). The concept of Knowledge Based Engineering(KBE) is without doubt very broad.This is because in product development KBE becomes an important tool with the important function of capturing knowledge and enabling for its reuse.For example,a spreadsheet enables the recycling of knowledge by having the ability to effectively implement equations and/or rules.It is for this reason that this concept note lays emphasis on those tools of Knowledge Based Engineering that function as tools where knowledge is stored in different classes as objects such as Java,C++ and especially takes note of fact that in terms of product prototyping, KBE tools carry out an important role in congruence with geometry engine to effectively put into action the automatic generation of product concept.KBE functions to automate routine and time consuming tasks which thereby accord employees of companies more time to invest in new innovations and adequately find solutions.However,knowledge based system emanating from ar tificial intelligence(AI) captures expert knowledge and more often than not also generate creative solutions, for which it sometimes referred to as ‘expert system’.This paper notes that in the development of KBE systems,numerous methods exists but lays particular emphasis on MOKA as a suitable example that could be adopted by SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), as the development process revolves around capturing and formalizing knowledge which does

The Concept of Liberty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The Concept of Liberty - Essay Example They re used to derive property implictions nd to solve philosophicl problems ssocited with this conception of liberty. In the following pper I would like to discuss the concept of liberty s it is presented by severl reserches. First I will define the generl concept of liberty s it is viewed by the generl socil community, then I will discuss the views of severl uthors s for the liberty concept. Finlly I Will mke the conclusions nd summrize the reserched pper. 'Liberty', in its most generl sense, signifies the bsence of some sort of constrint on something. The topic here is interpersonl liberty: the bsence of initited constrints on people by other people; or, more precisely, people intercting voluntrily without constrining, interfering with, or imposing upon ech other - except to prevent or redress initited constrining, interfering, or imposing. s 'imposing' seems the most generl of these terms, I shll stick with tht s long s it withstnds criticism. Positively inititing n imposition on nother is to be contrsted here with merely withholding ssistnce, or with defense or redress (so not just nything tht nyone else might do could be described s 'imposing'). This sense of 'liberty' is supposed to be the opposite of subjection nd oppression: it is individul sovereignty. It is bout the voluntry interction of persons rther thn selfish individulism, s its detrctors sometimes misrepresent it. This is the liberty of libertrinism, clssicl liberlism, nd much - though not ll - common sense. s fr s I cn tell, no one hs hitherto provided n dequte ccount of liberty in this sense. This filure is prticulrly striking nd ironic mong those clling themselves 'libertrins'. I shll ttempt cler, or t lest clerer, wy of expressing this ide tht is cpble of deling with vrious problems.number of reserches nd politicins in different wys interpret the concept of liberty. I will tke look t severl of them so tht them in my further reserch. Isih Berlin presents two concepts of liberty through which he plces the freedom of judgment in reltionship to them, nd lys out some dvntges of liberty bsed on judgment over the other two concepts. One wy of tking Berlin's distinction is to mke it debte over the importnce of politicl prticiption. Berlin himself llows for number of other wys to put the distinction, but describes the centrl issue dividing the two concepts s follows: Liberty in [the negtive] sense is principlly concerned with the re of control, not with its source. Just s democrcy my, in fct, deprive the individul citizen of gret mny liberties which he might hve in some other form of society, so it is perfectly conceivble tht liberl-minded despot would llow his subjects lrge mesure of personl freedom. Self-government my, on the whole, provide better gurntee of the preservtion of civil liberties thn other rgimes, nd hs been defended s such by libertrins. But there is no necessry connexion between individul liberty nd democrtic rule. The nswer to the question "Who governs me" is logiclly distinct from the question "How fr does government interfere with me" It is in this difference tht the gret contrst between the two concepts of negtive nd positive liberty, in the end, consists (Berlin, 2002). Mny hve red Berlin s n updted version of Benjmin Constnt, who put mtters similrly. Constnt distinguished between the liberty of the ncients nd the liberty of the moderns, sying tht "n Englishmn, Frenchmn, nd citizen of the United Sttes" understnds liberty to

PRODUCT RECALL AND BRAND STRATEGY A Case Study on Toyota Corporation Essay

PRODUCT RECALL AND BRAND STRATEGY A Case Study on Toyota Corporation - Essay Example mmand a healthy following, the company has however concentrated its efforts in marketing the principal brand which is Toyota and its sub-brands (Daye & Van Auken, 2010). Until the product recalls, Toyota’s brand architecture hinged primarily on the Toyota name. It is typical for Japanese companies to focus their business and marketing efforts on a single corporate brand (Daye & Van Auken, 2010). This strategy has obvious advantages, such as the development of a strong culture around the master-brand and therefore making their marketing efforts more efficient (Thomson, 2010). It has strong implications in its production approach also, because the single brand allowed the firm to lessen the number of components it needed. Toyota’s sub-brands shared a large number of common parts, reducing design efforts and concentrating production on these shared components. â€Å"Compare this approach with US rival GM, which, until recently, was operating a house of brands structure with 11 distinct marques, and the reason for much of Toyotas success and GMs decline, becomes apparent† Daye & Auken, 2010). While there are obvious strengths, there is one glaring weakness in the brand focus strategy. Negative publicity which may attach for any reason to the master brand is going to affect not only all its existing sub-brands at the moment of the controversy, but also all future sub-brands still to be designed. It appears that this is the reason why Toyota’s strategy for 2011 and the near future is to shift global marketing emphasis to its Lexus brand (Toyota Annual Report for 2011, p. 11). The executive report also places emphasis on quality and safety as its two major parameters. Hence, the company strives to bring constant development in its operational and management process. Toyota’s production system â€Å"is steeped in the philosophy of ‘the complete elimination of all waste’ imbuing all aspects of production in pursuit of the most efficient methods† (Toyota

Applications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Applications - Essay Example Therefore, introduction of the UGVs will help the agency to reinforce the security of its confidential packages while in transit. The robotic technology will be useful at the NIPR, SIPR and JWICS levels. The NIPRNet will basically be depending on high speed of the UGVs for transportation of data records to the headquarters in order to allow faster relying of data across the network. The information relayed across the network is not confidential but faster reliance would enable the private users to gain the necessary information conveniently. On the other hand, the NIPRNet would benefit from the UGVs through taking advantage of both their speed and high security of records while in transit. The network deals with highly confidential information that has to be secured effectively while eradicating all loopholes to security including human error. Therefore, the UGVs will be depended upon to transport manual files to the agency buildings for effective sharing of information across the network. Finally, the JWICS will benefit from the UGVs through securing effective sharing of material resources by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of Defense and Department of State. This factor will ensure faster and reliable sharing of highly sensitive classified materials between the

Anthropology Reading Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anthropology Reading Analysis - Essay Example In Anne Fausot-Sterling's article, â€Å"The Five Sexes: Why Male and Female are not Enough,† Ann summarizes her opinions why the two dominant gender identities, which are socially, and medically accepted are not adequate in classifying every gender. Most modern societies accept the two obvious sexes: male, identified by having testicles and a penis and a Y-chromosome, and female, identified as having a clitoris and vagina, developed breasts, and deficient a Y-chromosome. Although the two genders mentioned above are undoubtedly the dominant sex groups, Fausto-Sterling maintains that there are many more intersexual existing in societies worldwide for them to be assumed as being abnormal incidences of nature. In a bid to reinforce her claim, Ann alludes to Johns Hopkins University psychologist John Money, who suggested the possibility that intersexual may constitute as much as 4 percent of the total births. Arguing from a world’s point of view, taking the world's total po pulation to be 7 billion, this would imply that there may be as many as 280 million intersexual on the planet. The author also defined the considerations of her five-sex classification system. We first have the well-known male and female, and then we have three other lesser-known groups. These include, but not limited to hermaphrodites, having one testis and also one ovary, male pseudo hermaphrodites, having certain features of the female genitalia and testes, but no ovaries, and female pseudo hermaphrodites, having some features of male genitalia and ovaries, but without testes. Today’s Society continues to be male controlled. In addition, scientific terms reflect a macho society. In her article, â€Å"The Egg and the Sperm: How Science has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles,† Martin maintains that Scientific writing has attempted to present the egg and the sperm with feminine and masculine characteristics respectively. This shows the sperm as the authoritative aggressor while the egg assumes a weak position. This perspective according to Martin is influenced by cultural stereotypes. Recently, the researchers Johns Hopkins University concluded that the sperm and egg attract together because of adhesive molecules on each surface. The egg traps the sperm and continues to wiggle ineffectively. However, this new account of the role of the sperm and the egg did little to help change the stereotype saga. Researchers most of whom made the discoveries continued to err in their time worn metaphor of the sperm being the active member which penetrates the egg. In conclusion, Martin compels us to correct one’s thinking about the science of one’s reproduction. Being conscious not to project stereotyped cultural imagery into studies will help improve one’s capability in understanding nature and avoid harm caused by gender bias in society. M. Miedzien’s intention of writing this article, â€Å"Real men, wimps, and one’s national security was to address the pending issue that failure to equip boys with masculine values will result in raising harmless male who will do anything to avoid violence and war. According to some, this may promote national disaster since other nations train their men ready to fight at the slightest provocation. The realists will say one’s national security is at stake.† He wanted to put this objection to rest, but his intention changed when he initiated his

The experience of inactive nurses returned to nursing after completing Article - 1

The experience of inactive nurses returned to nursing after completing a refresher course - Article Example ongruence, analytical and integrative preciseness, philosophical or theoretical connectedness and heuristic relevance, as proposed by Burns and Grove (2007). Vividness. Clear statements about the purpose of the study, as well as, its significance are very crucial is writing research. Aside from the fact that these components are in the front line of a research paper, it is essential that is proponents underscore the rationale why such study be pursued. Upon reviewing the article â€Å"The Experience of Inactive Nurses Returned to Nursing after Completing a Refresher Course†, it can be observed that the author has stated the study purpose (page 359-360) in a direct, clear and measurable way. However, the significant of the study was not presented. The studys significance is supposed to explain how the research produces an original contribution to nursings body of knowledge. Without a strong theoretical Methodological Congruence. In this portion, a recruitment strategy is very necessary; it is a project-specific plan intended for identifying and enrolling the target people to participate in a research study and the plan must specify criteria for the screening of potential participants or the number of people who will be recruited, their location, as well as the approach to be employed (Mack, Woodsong, Macqueen, Guest and Namey, 2005; p. 6). In the research article, the authors were able to describe their background as nursing graduates, which is a good manifestation of their expertise in the chosen topic. They describe further who the participants are and how many they were, base on the study’s research objectives and the characteristics of the research. The author also emphasized the step-by-step procedures in contacting the participants and identified their specific locations. There was also a clear demonstration of ethical considerations in research conduct. Any investiga tor who conducts research involving human participants needs to uphold protection of

Non word Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Non word - Assignment Example She spent $5,000 to purchase her steno machine, $2,000 on a new computer, and $500 on miscellaneous office supplies. She financed these purchases by withdrawing $7,500 from her personal savings account. When she closed the account, the bank representative mentioned that she would have earned 4% interest next year. If Bev hadn’t opened her own business, she would have earned a salary of $25,000. In her first year, Bev’s revenues were $30,000. Which of the following statements is correct? _B___ 22. Studies indicate that the price elasticity of demand for cigarettes is about 0.4. A government policy aimed at reducing smoking changed the price of a pack of cigarettes from $2 to $6. According to the midpoint method, the government policy should have reduced smoking by 2. A firm hires two workers and rents 15 acres of land for a season. It produces 150,000 bushels of crop. If it had doubled its land and labor, production would have been 325000 bushels. Does it have constant, decreasing, or increasing returns to scale? It has an increasing returns to scale. This is because the marginal returns were 175000 bushels produced when the labor and land were increased. The double production inputs should have at least resulted to a double output which was the case. In fact, the number was more than 300,000 bushels which would have been the expected

Quotes that Will Change the Way You Think Essay Example for Free

Quotes that Will Change the Way You Think Essay In your quiet moments, what do you think about? How far you’ve come, or how far you have to go? Your strengths, or your weaknesses? The best that might happen, or the worst that might come to be? In your quiet moments, pay attention to your thoughts. Because maybe, just maybe, the only thing that needs to shift in order for you to experience more happiness, more love, and more vitality, is your way of thinking. Here are 60 thought-provoking quotes gathered from our sister site, Everyday Life Lessons, and from our blog archive that will help you adjust your way of thinking. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Don’t think of cost. Think of value. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly. Too many people buy things they don’t need with money they don’t have to impress people they don’t know. Read Rich Dad, Poor Dad. No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying. If a person wants to be a part of your life, they will make an obvious effort to do so. Think twice before reserving a space in your heart for people who do not make an effort to stay. Making one person smile can change the world – maybe not the whole world, but their world. Saying someone is ugly doesn’t make you any prettier. The only normal people you know are the ones you don’t know very well. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. As we grow up, we realize it becomes less important to have more friends and more important to have real ones. Making a hundred friends is not a miracle. The miracle is to make a single friend who will stand by your side even when hundreds are against you. Giving up doesn’t always mean you’re weak, sometimes it means you are strong enough and smart enough to let go and move on. Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, etc†¦ If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse. Don’t choose the one who is beautiful to the world; choose the one who makes your world beautiful. Falling in love is not a choice. To stay in love is. True love isn’t about being inseparable; it’s about two people being true to each other even when they are separated. While you’re busy looking for the perfect person, you’ll probably miss the imperfect person who could make you perfectly happy. Never do something permanently foolish just because you are temporarily upset. You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren’t busy denying them. Read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. In life, if you don’t risk anything, you risk everything. When you stop chasing the wrong things you give the right things a chance to catch you. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come. There isn’t anything noble about being superior to another person. True nobility is in being superior to the person you once were. Trying to be someone else is a waste of the person you are. You will never become who you want to be if you keep blaming everyone else for who you are now. People are more what they hide than what they show. Sometimes people don’t notice the things others do for them until they stop doing them. Don’t listen to what people say, watch what they do. Being alone does not mean you are lonely, and being lonely does not mean you are alone. Love is not about sex, going on fancy dates, or showing off. It’s about being with a person who makes you happy in a way nobody else can. Anyone can come into your life and say how much they love you. It takes someone really special to stay in your life and show how much they love you. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion; today is special. Love and appreciate your parents. We are often so busy growing up, we forget they are also growing old. When you have to start compromising yourself and your morals for the people around you, it’s probably time to change the people around you. Learn to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you. When someone tells you, â€Å"You’ve changed,† it might simply be because you’ve stopped living your life their way. Someone else doesn’t have to be wrong for you to be right. Be happy. Be yourself. If others don’t like it, then let them be. Happiness is a choice. Life isn’t about pleasing everybody. When you’re up, your friends know who you are. When you’re down, you know who your friends are. Don’t look for someone who will solve all your problems; look for someone who will face them with you. If you expect the world to be fair with you because you are fair, you’re fooling yourself. That’s like expecting the lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat him. No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Many people are so poor because the only thing they have is money. Learn to appreciate the things you have before time forces you appreciate the things you once had. When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself. You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. It’s better to know and be disappointed than to never know and always wonder. There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without but have to let go. Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you. Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within. If you tell the truth, it becomes a part of your past. If you lie, it becomes a part of your future. What you do every day matters more than what you do every once in a while. Read The Power of Habit. You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one. Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

Human Resource Management At Hyatt Hotels

Human Resource Management At Hyatt Hotels Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a global hospitality company with more than 434 properties around the world. The mission of the company is to Provide Authentic Hospitality. They incorporate this mission in everyday operations by focusing on the development of a relationship with associates, owners and customers. Hyatts business is conducted by its employees and officers, under the direction of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the oversight of the Board of Directors to enhance the long-term value of the Company for its stockholders. The Board of Directors is elected by the stockholders to oversee management and to assure that the long-term interests of the stockholders are being served. The Board recognizes that the long-term interests of stockholders are advanced by taking into consideration, as appropriate, the concerns of other stakeholders, including associates, guests, property owners, suppliers, the public and members of the communities in which Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates. History In 1957, Mr. Jay Pritzker purchased the Hyatt House Motel near Los Angeles Airport. This started the story of this large company that manages, owns and franchises over 434 hotels around the world. The Pritzker family converted the company into a public entity in 1962. In 1968, a new company known as Hyatt International was formed to take care of properties around the world apart from North America. Hyatt Corporation and Hyatt International merged into a single entity in 2004 forming the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Mission, Goals and Values Hyatt defines that its mission is to Provide authentic Hospitality. They try to practice this in a way that respects all people and all ideas. The company is looking at Superior results by working in an efficient manner. The Goals of the company are to be considered the preferred brand in each of the segments they serve which include: Employees Guests (Customers) Owners (stockholders as well as third party property owners) These goals clearly state that the strategy of the company is based on its people apart from the basic need for a companys existence. This will be discussed in detail when speaking about the strategy model that best fits the hotel chain. The company claims to have certain values that are imperative in forming the culture as well as the strategies of the organization. These are mentioned below: Mutual Respect They are a people based company and believe in respecting ideas, thoughts and beliefs of others Listen well Verify Acknowledge Intellectual Honesty and Integrity Hyatt wants its employees to be loyal to the company which can form the basis of the culture of the company. Tell and accept the truth Honor your commitments Humility Hyatt does not believe in advertising loudly and gaudily. They expect the reputation of the company to be built on experience. Let actions speak for themselves Recognize the contributions of others Fun Hyatt tries to ensure that employees enjoy their workplace in order to ease the stress of the hospitalty industry. Dont take yourself too seriously Creativity and Innovation Hyatt promotes new ideas and concepts. They handle change well due to the following steps they use to promote innovation amongst employees. Challenge conventional wisdom Take action/risks Evaluate Strategy The word strategy, deriving from the Greek noun strategus, meaning commander in chief, was  ¬Ã‚ rst used in the English language in 1656. The development and usage of the word suggests that it is composed of stratos (army) and agein (to lead). In a management context, the word strategy has now replaced the more traditional term long-term planning to denote a speci ¬Ã‚ c pattern of decisions and actions undertaken by the upper echelon of the organization in order to accomplish performance goals (Bratton, 2005) Hyatt Hotel Corporation Strategy The mission and goals of the company are clear in the above diagrammatical representation. The policies of the company are based on fulfilling this mission of the company. The value chain given above shows the prioritization of the companys strategy. Hyatt believes in keeping the customer satisfied by fulfilling the customers needs and demands. Hyatt wants to be the preferred company for customers. This can be done through excellent service (smooth operations) which can be achieved only through engaged employees. Engagement of employees is defined by Hyatt as the experience of the employees through their career at the company. The more satisfied the employees are at the workplace, the more the engagement which leads to efficient work. Employee engagement can be improved when the company grows increasing the opportunities for the development of the team members. The performance of the hotels helps the company grow. And this performance is again determined by the customers who would prefer Hyatt over other hotels. This value chain developed by hyatt is the basis of formulation of policies for Human Resources, Marketing, Finance and Operations. Hyatt has developed its strengths by concentrating on the most important aspects of running a company. They are making sure all employees concentrate on developing the brand image by providing excellent service according to the standards set by the company. This can be done only when the employees are clear about the brand value and quality expected. Hyatt also makes it clear in its strategy to ensure the profitability of the company in order to maintain a steady growth cycle. They have included manpower development in their strategy and mentioned that people are the companys key assets and that the company strives to keep their employees satisfied and motivated at the workplace. Aligning the business strategy with Human Resources International Operations The International Human Resources Department is made up of team members that are located in the Corporate Office in Chicago, as well as Hyatts Divisional Offices in Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong. Their collective goal is to drive the People Brand ensuring the provision of an authentic employee experience. The roles and responsibilities at the Corporate and Divisional level are focused on creating employee preference through Employee Engagement, Top Talent Management, Workforce Planning, Succession Planning, Training and Development, effective Human Resources systems and Competitive Total Rewards. The team in Chicago concentrates on the development and oversight of Human Resources strategy while the Divisional teams focus on strategy implementation as well as hotel pre-openings. Human resources strategies may be defined as the patterns of decisions by management formulating policies and procedures to design work and select, train and develop, appraise, motivate and control workers. Creating these models are appealing to academics as they can analyse various configurations or clusters of HR practices and develop and test theories with the help of conceptual models. (Bamberger Meshoulam, 2000) In theory, academics have proposed at least three different models on Human Resource Strategy. These models have been based on various methodologies and policies developed by organizations to align the Human Resource strategy with the company strategy. These models are Control Based Model where the management tries to control and monitor the role and performance of each employee; Resource Based Model where the concentration is based on the behavior and attitude of the employee and the manager subordinate relationship in the organization; The third model is a combination of the two above which integrates them in order to bring together the advantages of both.(Bratton, 2005) Hyatt and its Strategy Model After a careful study of the three models and analysis of Hyatts Human Resource Strategy, it can be derived that Hyatt uses the combination model which is an integration of the control based and resource based strategic models. More details and explanations are provided below. Hyatts strategy emphasizes on people being its key asset and concentration on the growth and development of the employees. This can be analysed to say that Hyatt concentrated on its employees needs to be fulfilled in order to achieve efficient work from the team members which leads to better results for the company. There is a mutual relationship between the employer and the employee focusing on the development of both. The table given below shows various Human Resource strategies adopted by companies based on the nature of the organisation and their requirments. The table states Human Resourse strategies for three components the behavior required from employees, long or short term focus of the company and the concern for quality in the organisation. These components are reviewed in terms of Innovation, quality enhancement and cost reduction. We can derive that the companys Human resource policies are based on the company strategy as per quality enhancement. Hyatt works out its Human resource strategies with an emphasis on quality enhancement. The job profile and description of the employees are mostly fixed with a particular set of tasks ad responsibilities, it has little or no scope for innovation or change depending on the level of responsibilty. The hotel industry operates with many Standard Operating Procedures and a carefully planned and fixed way to perform tasks. This leaves very little scope for change in an individuals job description. These job descriptions are extremely elaborate and detailed in order to keep the employees aware of what is expected of them, on a day to day basis as well as overall. Maintaining procedures and standards for operations ensures that the brand can provide consistent service around the globe making the customer feel comfortable in any hyatt hotel without any surprises. This strategy helps Hyatt keep its brand image. The appraisal system in the company is in place . They have an individual appraisal on a regular basis conducted by supervisors and managers but the team performance as well as the hotels overall performance is taken into consideration when offering incentives and salary hikes. The employees are made to feel comfortable in the organisation which is required due to inconsistent work hours and the need for motivated employees. This ensures the employee putting in his/her best effort to maintain the work ethic and follow the procedures in order to benefit the company and increase productivity. The Training and Development team of the hotels as well as the corporate offices are very elaborate and active as there is a need for extensive task as well as competency training for the employees. The training involves keeping the employees up to date with changing policies as well as ensuring that tasks are fulfilled as per the set standards. Constant coaching and emphasis on following SOPs maintain a low-risk environment whch is beneficial for the organisation. As discussed before, the human resource strategy of organisations have been classified into three different models- Control based, Resourse based an Integrative model which combines the other two. Hyatt follows the integratve model of Human resource Strategy. This is explained below with the help of many examples in terms of Selection policies, Training and development and other such strategies that the company implements. The Integrative model This model is a combination of two models, one based on managerial control in the organization and the other based on a reward-effort exchange. Bamberger and Meshoulam have labeled the conrol based model as locus of control and the resource based model as acquisition and development. Locus of control concentrates on monitoring the employees compliance with the standards and procedures set in place while acquisition and development is the strategies used to recruit the right candidates and then train and develop them in order for them to learn the processes and operations. These two main strategies of the organisation yield four different ideal types of dominant HR strategies. The table below signifies these four strategies and how they play a vital role in the alignment of Human Resource strategies with the Organizations strategy. These strategies as depicted in the table show the organizations Human Resource strategies based on acquiring and managing their employees. Hyatt follows the Paternalistic and Commitment strategies for recruitment as well as appraisals of employees. Hyatt believes in a strong training and development system therefore it ensures that after recruiting a candidate, it is imperative to keep the candidate off operations and in orientation for a week. They develop their employees according to the brand and standards that are meant to be followed. This is an illustration of the Paternalistic HR strategy. Hyatt also believes in regular appraisals and personal growth of the employee. Performance of the team is closely monitored by managers and supervisors to ensure the process being followed and the desired outcome being achieved. There is a strong emphasis on compliance of standard operating procedures which is monitored with individual employees and they are appraised on their efficiency as well as their productivity. Selection Process at Hyatt Hyatts selection process is done through interviews. The application (recruitment) is done with the help of an online tool named Taleo and shortlisted candidates are called in for interviews. There may be various rounds of interviews but the initial screening is done by the Human Resources department. Hyatt also has a training module meant for senior managers in Interviewing. This is to make sure that everyone is on the same page to select the perfect candidate and there are lesser conflicts. The training module also mentions other factors such as conduct during the interview, venue, interaction etc. Hyatt uses competencies as the foundation for the selection decision. The Selection Interviewing Module provides the people responsible for interviewing with the skills necessary to evaluate candidates using carefully developed behavioral and situational questions. This approach allows the interviewer to identify behaviors that demonstrate the personal skills, abilities and knowledge that make up the companys core and leadership competencies. Hyatt has a guide with instructions and techniques to conduct interviews. This guide mentions how the the employees shuld be marked in terms of competencies they possess. Hyatts core and leadership competencies used to select the right candidate are mentioned below: Definition of a Competency Competencies are behaviourally defined personal characteristics that are required by employees for effective performance. These personal characteristics may include, but are not limited to: knowledge, skills, and abilities. What top performers do more frequently or more effectively than other performers Leads to performance excellence Consistent with our direction and future business needs Hyatt Competencies Hyatts Core Competencies, for which they interview line applicants, are: Action Oriented Adaptability Communication Customer Focus/Quality Integrity Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork Time and Task Management the leadership competencies which are used for candidates applying for managerial positions are as follows Core competencies, plus: Change Management Commercial Awareness Decision Making Managing the Work of Others Motivating and Influencing Others Organisation Savvy People Development Problem Solving Strategic Orientation Hyatt tries to ensure that all their selected candidates either possess the above mentioned competencies or can be developed through training to fit in to the organization with the mentioned characteristics. The interviewers are supposed to grade the employees according to what they perceive from the candidate during the rounds of interviews. This fits in to the Hyatt strategy by ensuring that the right fit of people are employed keeping in check the overall mission of providing authentic hospitality. The competencies mentioned are characteristics required in employees to best match the manpower need of the company. The core competencies include a basic framework of the employees personality and how he or she will be able to adapt to the culture of the company. Hyatt requires peope who are proactive with good communication skills and can fit in to a team by working in coordination with others. Hyatt does not concentrate on the skill as much as the overall personality of the candidate as they have an extensive training and development module to teach the employees the standard operations. This is done through various extensive task training modules and sessions that are conducted for the employees. This is discussed further in detail below. Given below are evaluation sheets which are used to grade the inerviewee and compare the candidates to see who fits the job descriptions most accurately. This is a sample evaluation sheet for line candidates. As discussed earlier, the focus is not on skills that the candidate has, it is based on the compatability of the candidate in terms of the competencies required for the individual to fit in to the hotel and help achieve the organisations goal and increase productivity. Training and Development Training may become necessary in a hotel for a number of reasons, including: new Corporate Strategy, new business goals, other changes in the hotel, external changes in the local market, employee performance shortcomings, and many other factors. Identification of training needs is done by the Training department of the hotel based on the following factors: New computerization Organizational changes New procedures Changed business goals New product (e.g. restaurant.) New legislation in areas which impact employee involvement Specific need of a new client/organization/supplier New/increased competition. Sources of information to help identify training needs: Corporate Strategy Articulation Results from the Employee Opinion Survey Business Plan Observations of employees Questionnaires Interviews Performance Development Plans Guest Feedback and Comment Cards Competition visits Management Log Books Accident Reports Performance and Productivity Report Consumer Audit Report. Training at Hyatt is classified into two. Skill training and Attitude training. Skill training is handled by indivisual departments with the help of task breakdowns and rotational training sessions for the employees. The following factors will impact the degree to which Skills Training is a priority need: Competency levels of employees The rate of employee turnover Prior experience of employees Quality and quantity of Departmental Trainers Availability of time in which to train Maturity of established standards Degree of empowerment. The following is a Departmental training record form which is used as tool to observe and keep a check of the training being conducted in the department to help hone the skills of the employees. Department: Room Service Position: Waiter / Waitress Employee Name and Start Date Date and initials of Trainer: Who was the Trainer and when was task completed X: Trainee does not have to be taught the task Blank: Training not carried out yet Name and Start Date Tasks Kate 4/5/96 Brad 3/1/97 Tom 2/3/98 Jack 5/3/98 Mary 6/5/98 Hotel Orientation Day 1 JM 4/5/96 JM 3/1/97 JM 5/3/98 JM 6/5/98 Hotel Orientation Day 2 JM 5/5/96 JM 4/1/97 JM 6/3/98 JM 7/5/98 Departmental Orientation DM 5/5/96 DM 4/1/97 DM 2/3/98 DM 6/3/98 DM 7/5/98 Tray Set Up PP 6/5/96 PP 4/1/97 2/3/98 PP  ´ Answering the Telephone PP 6/5/96 PP 4/1/97 PP 2/3/98 PP 7/3/98 Folding Napkins NM 6/5/96 NM 4/1/97 NM 3/3/98 NM 7/3/98 Cleaning glasses NM 6/5/96 NM 4/1/97 NM 3/3/98 NM 7/3/98 Coffee/Tea set up NM 6/5/96 NM 4/1/97 NM 3/3/98 NM 7/3/98 Learning about DND PP 7/5/96 PP 5/1/97 PP 6/3/98 PP 8/3/98 Cleaning floors PP 7/5/96 PP 5/1/97 PP 6/3/98 PP 8/3/98 Set up of breakdown area RM 7/5/96 RM 6/1/97 RM 6/3/98 RM 8/3/98 Clearing breakdown area RM 7/5/96 RM 6/1/97 RM 6/3/98 RM 8/3/98 Depositing soiled equipment RM 7/5/96 RM 8/3/98 Storing clean equipment RM 7/5/96 RM 7/1/97 RM 6/3/98 RM 9/3/98 Polishing silver  ´ RM 7/1/97 RM 6/3/98  ´ Reading a docket RM 7/5/96 RM 8/1/97 RM 9/3/98 This document is imperative to ensure that the employees are being trained well in their day to day tasks so they are able to increase productivity in the hotel by following standards and doing their jobs the way they are supposed to. This is aligned to the strategy of the hotel by developing the emplyees to enhance efficiency and performance. Attitude Training is required to communicate the values, attitudes and behavior expected by the hotel/company. Examples of Attitude Training: Grooming standards Telephone techniques Dealing with guest complaints Principles of Upselling Exceeding Guest Expectations This may be impacted by the following factors: Local culture Rate of employee turnover Degree of motivation Length of service Age of employees Union relations/activity Interdepartmental/hotel transfers Repositioning of hotel standards Local unemployment How competitive the hotel market is. As discussed above, Hyatt believes in the paternalistic approach to Human Resource strategy by conducting extensive training and developing the personnel to become Hyattians as well as learn the day to day tasks. The objective of this extensive training is to finally achieve the companys goal of satisfied customers and increased financial performance. Performance Development and appraisals Hyatt International Operations approach to Performance Development (formerly Performance Appraisal and renamed to reflect the positive, forward-looking aspect of this process) is part of the companys continued commitment to the implementation of Human Resources Programs that put into action  The People Philosophy, which builds on our Values, culture  and competencies, all of which help to build consistent Human Resources programs and practices.   Relative Importance of Each Competency to Specific Job Titles The Performance Development Plan Evaluates the employees performance in each competency and space has therefore been provided alongside each competency to indicate whether the competency is of low, medium, or high importance to the specific job held by the employee: Low   where the competency is not critical to the job (although it could still be important as part of the employees overall personal development plan). Medium   where the competency is important to the job, but other competencies may be more important, and High   where the competency is crucial to the job The Relative Importance will not vary from year to year where the employee is in the same position. However, it will vary considerably between different positions. Six Month Review Hyatt International Operations recommends a Six Month Review as a best practice in employee Performance Development. Formally reviewing an employees performance on a six month basis has the following advantages: It demonstrates to employees our ongoing commitment to their personal development, and reinforces the principles of The People Philosophy It allows for adjustments in the employees personal development goals in real time and not too long after the event It increases the opportunity for dialogue between an employee and his/her manager a powerful way to improve employee communication. A sample performance development form is shown below. This form shows the