Palermo and Genoa

This is an individual assignment to discuss culture characteristics and its effects to a cuisines environment. Thus, this assignment will show the understanding of the culture importance, and providing the methods for cross culture management. For the full-scale of culture application to business environment cognitive competencies, this assignment will discuss the culture characteristics, analyze the culture for international business operation, study the culture synthesis, and then give recommendations according to the applications of business environment in particular.According the requirement of this assignment, I have chosen the country f Italy to complete the tasks of this assignment. 2. The Background of Italy Italy is a unified peninsula country in the south of Europe, and it looks like a boot in the world map. The neighbor countries of Italy are surrounded by Andorra, Monaco, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania and Greece. The total size of Italy is 116306 square miles. Italy has total 1120 cities; the largest cities are including Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo and Genoa.Giuseppe Amazing formed the Resorting being the foundation of Italy unity. Mr.. Count Camille Did Cavort, the leader of House of Savoy in Sardinia united Italy in 1852, and he obtained the lands of Lombardy, Roman, Tuscany, Pram, Sicily, and Naples. In 1861, Italians claimed Victor Emmanuel II as their king, who received Venetian in 1886. Finally, the papal of Rome announced Italy is a unified peninsula nation independently with one constitutional monarchy on 20th September 1870 (infeasible. Com, 2014). Italy is a republic country with its own constitution desiring for peace and harmony.Italians dislike fighting in the wars. Thus, Italy declared its neutrality in the World War l. Even through, Italy fight with Allies in 191 5 and gained some lands, but after the postwar, Italy returned the lands Allies. After the Fascist Party dictatorship of Mr.. Mussolini from 28th O ctober 1922 to 28th April 1945, Italians plebiscite voted to have a republic nation in June 1946 successfully. Moreover, Italian returns the lands to Greece and France according to the peace treaty on 15th September 1947. Italy constitution was created in 1948 (inconsiderableness. Com, 2014).Italy strategy builds its economy successfully by being an integral member of NATO & joining the European Economic Community. In Jan 1999, Italy currency was permitted by Treasury Secretary Carlo Scampi. Nowadays, the economics of Italy is diversified by many industries, and the well-developed industrial in the north are most held by private companies. Although Italy has experienced the global crisis in 2008, but Italy GAP of Italy increased from US$1737. 8 billion in 2004 to US$1982. 94 billion Jug 2014 (Satanist. Com, 2014). According to the source of the Italy history, the main religion of Italy is Roman Catholicism.The Roman Catholicism centre is in the Vatican City, and the pope also stays in it. Islam is the second religion in Italy sources from the immigrants of Muslim. Non-Catholic Christians is the third religion in Italy, but it is in a small group due to the only few Jews left after the War II (Kim, 2014). Actually, Italy has a long Roman history, because the Rome Empire controlled Italy with the Roman leadership for about 22 centuries, which covers the most of the Italy history and made Italy a Roman Catholicism country from its root. Therefore, Italy becomes the cultural center for the Western world during the period of 13th to 16th century.According to the religion characteristics of Roman Catholicism, family is the most liable social structure, because family can stabilize their family members by supporting each other with emotion and finance. In the religion of Roman Catholicism environment, you can see the Catholic churches in Italy are more than any other country. In this kind of religion country, you can see them in many lobbies and buildings, and you wi ll find people's names, and trade in particular patron saint. The church proclaims transparent hierarchy to Italy. Respect is provided to older people, successful businessman, and well-connected people (quintessential. O. UK, 2014). This part will give the recommendations for doing business in Italy according to its culture of history, geography, language, education, religion, social structure, political, and economic philosophy. 4. 1 Respect Different cultural customs Although, it is 96% of them are native Italians and speak Italian, but they may have different mother tongue or dialect and culture customs. Therefore, we have to respect each of them accordingly. To an international business, knowing the local culture is as knowing the needs of the local people.If you can provide the thing to hat area's people, you will have business opportunity (La Verne, 2008). 4. 2 Well-managed Cross Culture Management There are cultural conflicts between cultures. Therefore, international busines smen need to understand the difference and culture conflicts between each of them. Hence, the cross culture management needs to be created and studied by businessman and his staffs. Because you will have contact with local staff and customers, developing a well-managed cross culture management will help the stabilization of the employees and increase your business market share Sweatshops, 2010). . 3 Follow the religion characteristics of Roman Catholic As we know that the Roman Catholic is one of the largest and biggest religion in Italy, and Italy is the culture centre of Europe. To follow the Roman Catholic characteristics is one of the best and fastest ways to fit into global international business to the local and the whole Europe (Mary, 2011). If you can put your business to fit into the Roman Catholic quickly, your business can be accepted by the Roman Catholics easily (Italy Mineral and Mining Sector Investment and Business Guide, 2014).

Klippel-Fiel Syndrome

Klippel–Feil syndrome is a very rare disease. It was reported for the first time in 1912 by Maurice Klippel and Andre Feil. It has been characterized by the fusion of any 2 of the 7 cervical vertebrae. The syndrome occurs in a heterogeneous group of patients unified only by the presence of a defect in the formation or segmentation of the spine. Klippel–Feil syndrome can be identified by shortness of the neck. Those with the syndrome have a very low hairline and the ability of the neck to move is limited or none.Some symptoms include: ?Scoliosis, which is a side-to-side curve of the spine, which is abnormal. The spine sometimes appears as a â€Å"C† or an â€Å"S†. ?Spina bifida is when the spinal canal and the back bone do not close completely during birth. ?Cleft Palate, which is a hole in the roof of the mouth ?Respiratory problems ?Heart malformations ?Short stature The actual prevalence of Klippel-Feil syndrome is unknown due to the fact that there was no study done to determine the true prevalence.Although the actual occurrence for the KFS syndrome is unknown, it is estimated to occur 1 in 42,000 newborns worldwide. In addition, females seem to be affected slightly more often than males Treatment for Klippel–Feil syndrome is symptomatic and may include surgery to relieve cervical or craniocervical instability and constriction of the spinal cord, and to correct scoliosis. The heterogeneity of this syndrome has made it difficult to outline the diagnosis as well as the prognosis classes for this disease.Because of this, it has complicated the exact explanation of the genetic etiology of the syndrome. The prognosis for most individuals is good if the disorder is treated early on and appropriately. Activities that can injure the neck should be avoided, as it may contribute to further damage. Other diseases associated with the syndrome can be fatal if not treated, or if found too late to be treatable. Although, surgery is an op tion it’s not highly recommended.My sister suffers from this disorder; therefore I see it every day. Surgery was given to my mother as an option but there were far worse side effects to the aftermath of the surgery than just living with the disorder for the rest of her life. She didn’t choose to have surgery because either it would have paralyzed her or could have possibly killed her. The disorder has affected her by not allowing her to use her neck at all, which makes it very difficult for her to do the things that we can.

Management and leadership development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Management and leadership development - Essay Example From these definitions, it can be gathered that the primary traits of leadership includes development of a vision and aligning it with the personal interests of the followers. However, Hughes and Beatty (2011) argued that present scenario leadership includes motivation, strength, empowering, understanding the pros and cons, decision making and implementations. The scope leadership has magnified with the changes in the needs of the people and organizations. The theme statement of the essay reflected above signifies the changes in the leadership process in context of developing participative and democratic leadership. This statement will be analysed on the basis of corporate leadership, this essay will focus on the leadership of former CEO of American Automobile Company Ford, Alan Mulally, to examine the statement of Mahatma Gandhi. Adair (2010) noted that application of traditional leadership processes and theories have reduced in the business operations because of the complex influence of external forces and changes in the governing factors of business. Burkholder (2009) mentioned that as organisations have shifted their focus on profit generation to sustainable growth and development, the process of managing the internal functions and external relations have also changed. Davis (2011) highlighted beginning from the personality era of leadership, the traits of being a successful leader has changed regularly. For instance, during the Great Man Period, reformers believed that following the characters and traits of successful leaders can build the character of a potential leader. However, Edd (2011) criticised that the traits of leaders differ along with the situations and their vision and hence the personality leadership concepts were not a sustainable solution. The first form of participative leadership was de veloped with the influential era of leadership where

Biology Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Biology Article Analysis - Essay Example Miller and several others started to construe that life started not in heat but in ice-at temperatures that hardly any living creatures can currently subsist. The very rules of chemistry may have preferred ice. If existence on Earth began from ice, then man's probability of discovering life in another place in the solar system-not to point out anywhere in the galaxy-could possibly be superior than we could ever think of. The researchers were amazed by the results of the samples which appear better in cold temperatures rather than in room temperatures. With these findings, they tried to submit their documents to a well-known science journal but they were rejected. The reviewer had different theories and notions about their findings such as the idea that the molecules were formed while thawing. Being challenged by this, the researchers conducted more experiments to strengthen the validity and reliability of their claims. When the time came for Trinks to go back to Hamburg in 2003, the scientist had created an assumption that ice was responsible not only for just concentrating chemicals. The ice facade is a plane of positive and negative charges; Trinks predicted those charges seizing specific nucleobases and piling them like Lego, aiding them to combine into a series of RNA. For years scientists had attempted to force RNA chains to develop under all types of circumstances without the means of enzymes; this feat was reached when they were able to form a chain which consisted of about 40 nucleobases. When Biebricher examined his own trials, he was surprised to discover RNA molecules up to 400 bases in length. In more recent, some of his experiments he states he has monitored RNA molecules 700 bases in length. The scientist's outcomes are incredible that some contemporaries have questioned whether unintentional contamination is a possible reason. Orgel supported the experiment. He stated that it was a remarkable result. The experiments and finding of the research opens up possibilities of being able to answer the origin of life on earth as well as the probability of man being able to live elsewhere in the solar system. The common themes that I have noticed on the discussions in the article that I had are: identification and justification of the experiments and findings of different researchers and scientists, the scientific explanations of opposing views and reactions regarding the experiments, the collaboration of experts in the field of biology. Aside from this, the article also provided an insight as to how tedious the jobs of researchers are for it takes years or even decades to be able to come up with breakthrough findings which needs adequate amount of evidence for support. Even though the research already existed for decades, the public still has skepticisms that can be used to challenge, oppose and criticize the works of the researchers. Miller

Discsussion Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discsussion Board - Essay Example This is what this literature plans to discuss and will show using factual research and reports from the White House's National Strategies on drug trafficking. Drug Trafficking depicts the illegal activities of drugs being distributed through out the world. It is a criminal occurrence and has created wide spread alarm in many parts of other countries but particularly in the United States. In the 1960's the main area of concern was in the trafficking of heroin and its subsequent abuse. Also at this time there were other illegal drug activities gong on, specifically with drugs that were considered to be recreational and psychoanalytical but which posed just as serious a problem as the harder drugs such as heroine, and cocaine. The milder drugs like marijuana were also rampant and being elicited and distributed by many drug dealers and those smuggling it over the border. Because of past concerns and the current problems in law enforcements attempts to curtail the illegal distribution of these heavier drugs, there have been several policies established and strategies developed in order to gain a tighter reign on criminal drug cases involving the trafficking of them. The Bush Administration has set aside funding for cracking down on drug abuse and the trafficking associated with it. ... There have been other government agencies that have received funding as well but the ones listed are the most proficient on controlling illegal drug use. The 2003 national Drug strategy campaign has been one of the largest iniatives by the government to dissuade the youth from becoming associative with drug trafficking and drug usage. It is believed that by educating the youth about the consequences of drugs, they will be deterred from it and drug sellers and traffickers will be less able to sell to the youth and therefore their capabilities to distribute illegal drugs will be minimized in this category (National Drug Control Strategy 2003). Drug prevention programs seem to be very effective in bringing knowledge to the youth on what thy can expect if they fall into the trap of drugs and the selling of them. These programs make it clear that the misinformation that has been handed to the youth by drug sellers indicating that it is a simply teenage fad and it is ok to experiment with drugs during the teenage years, have been substantially dispelled so that young people have a clearer interpretation of what is truth and what is a lie concerning drugs. This has been very effective in decreasing the amount of drug trafficking around the youth population although there still exists a number of concerns. What has come into existence in the educational system now is a program that legally can test teenagers who are suspected of having a drug problem. The main goal in this program is not to punish the youth who are found to be associated with a form of drug use but rather to get them into proper treatment facilities where they can be rehabilitated and properly counseled as to the outcome they

Research on Meth Addiction Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On Meth Addiction - Research Paper Example There were efforts to control them through regulation through the Food and Drug Administration as well as by law enforcement. However, these illicit drugs are still a part of our society, often having comorbidity with other aspects of crime, which disrupts our society. Methamphetamine is an extremely powerful narcotic. It has multiple ways of being ingested into the body. Sometimes, it is injected through the use of hypodermic needles, while other times it is snorted or smoked. Typically, snorting will have the quickest effect on the body due to the fact that methamphetamine is lipid soluble, which means it can interact past the blood brain barrier faster than any other route of administration. It was and still is the cause of many problems in relation to drug abuse in our society. It enslaves the user through powerful chemical drug dependence. This works because it changes the brain on a fundamental level. Freud was one of the first psychologists to say that humans operate on a plea sure principle. This rewarding pathway in the brain is known as the dopaminergenic reward pathway. Dopamine is one of the primary rewarding neurotransmitters in the brain and is responsible for regulating many actions such as hunger, sex, etc. Methamphetamine affects this system by causing a large increase in the amount of dopamine. This is why drug users feel such a high euphoric effect. The withdrawal effects of methamphetamine are also extremely unpleasant. Therefore, drug users self-administer more of the drug in order to not â€Å"crash†. As a result, they become chemically addicted. This occurs due to the fact that the brain rewires itself and does not secrete dopamine in the normal amounts of a person who does not use methamphetamine. Methamphetamine users comment that while they are not using the drug that there is a lack of feeling and everything seems grey. This is a primary motivator in encouraging the user to continue using the drug as a result of physiological re sponse. This physiological response is what drives the psychological and behavioral response. It works in both ways of classical and operant conditioning. Drug users learn that with the drug they will experience a state of euphoria. As a result, they develop not only the physiological dependence to the drug, but they also develop a psychological addiction. This in turn fuels other aspects of crime. Methamphetamine is common in all social classes, however it affects the lower classes the most. Often, many of these lower class citizens do not have a surplus income in order to fuel their drug addiction. Thus, they turn to other criminal activities in order to supply the income required to fuel their habit. This exposure to the drug often also causes problems among families. Methamphetamine can tear families apart and often leaves children with parents behind bars. Prostitution is also common for drug users in that they can take methamphetamine as collateral for sexual favors. The side effects of the use of methamphetamine are wide and varied. The fact that methamphetamine is a stimulant means that it promote a wide variety of anxiety and â€Å"twitchy† behavior. It also can lead to attentiveness problems as well as deficits in cognitive function and memory. As discussed previously, the dopaminergic reward system is highly stimulated when methamphetamine is in the system and that long-term use can lead to dopamine deficit. This puts high, chronic methamphetamine use

Perfume Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Perfume - Essay Example Since then perfumes are widely applied in various settings of the sphere. Their role is enormous, ranging from the individual respective, as a consumer learning tool, in mood therapy, in foods, detergents among others (Bennett 49). The broad application of perfumes triggered the researcher to explore their relevance in determining the attitudes of the human organism. The survey used both survey and literature review. The literature review was employed to assist in ascertaining the gap that exists in the study of perfumes and how they elicit moods in humans. Further, the deduction of the literature was vital in determining the current state of affairs, its theories and the developments in the sector. The synthesis of the literature reveals that humans are wired in a way that their sense of smell leads them to automatic approach-avoidance Responses inclusive of general attitudes, emotion and actions. The resultant responses are either positive or negative. Human being search for pleasurable experiences, and they always aim to avoid any painful or negative experiences as per nature. Based on the categorization theory, the study realized that it is possible to break pleasures into forms involving sensory, emotional and social traits (Porcherot 939). The review showed that emotional preferences typically stem from aesthetic stimulation. For instance, the smell of roses can remind one of a pleasant childhood, which arouses good moods in the individual. Sensory pleasances are the simplest forms to comprehend since they involve the pleasures created by sensory contact with outside stimuli. He further argues that Social pleasures arise from contact and interaction with peers. The experiences of persons can involve one form or a mix of the described pleasure types though in the end, individual summaries the experience as a memory that falls into a single

Case Study -Ethics and Professional Practice Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

-Ethics and Professional Practice - Case Study Example The basic ethical principles are respect, empowerment, protection, responsibility and commitment. Every professional practice is shaped by its own ethics and codes of conduct that are expected of those who practice it. The police have a duty to protect themselves and other people considered vulnerable in society such as children and have the responsibility to carry the burden brought about by their conduct (Kleinig, 1997). In the case of Kelly Woods, there are various ethical issues that do arise, which challenge the practice of the policeman. Physical assault is ethically wrong of a father does that to intentionally inflict pain to a child. However, the problem comes when parenting roles conflict with family wrangles. The suspension of the young boy from school following his possession of porn and a pocket knife is an ethically right practice that is in line with rules and regulation of schooling. The child was to be punished but not assaulted. Ethics for parenting were thus broken by the father. The filing for a case five years after the assault case is questionable given that it is done with the assistance of the mother yet the two are separated. There could be possibilities of the young person evading future punishment due to his juvenile deliquesce and on the other hand, the mother might be silently pushing for child custody without putting her intentions clear. In the above case, there are possibilities that the police, in their faithful duty to serve the public, are being used unethically to settling personal scores. This is a case that calls for further investigation and avoid looking at things from one point of view. Cases such as these are normally complicated because the parents normally go to extreme options when seeking to take custody of kids. One ethical issue that normally stands out in such circumstances as has been seen in this case of Kelly Woods is the fact that children normally take advantage of

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies Essay - 11

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies - Essay Example This paper seeks to discuss the merger, acquisition as well as international strategies of Starbucks and the strategies that Love & Tea Company adopts. Starbucks Corporation is an American based company whose headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington. The company was founded in 1971 as Seattle coffee bean roaster. Being the largest coffeehouse in the world, Starbucks has 12,973 stores in US and approximately 11,000 others in Japan, China, Canada and United Kingdom. Having been founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker, Starbucks produces quality brands that make it to effectively face off its competitors in the international market. Some of the major products that Starbucks produces include SweetN Low, Splenda, Trenta, and tea among others. With approximately 160,000 employees, Starbucks has been able to offer effective services in all its subsidiaries which include Ethos water, Torrefazione, La Boulange, Evolution Fresh, Tazo, and Hear Music among others. Apart from extensive advertising strategies that the company has adopted through the internet and in US, Starbucks competitive position has also been achieved d ue to the various mergers and acquisitions that it has adopted in US as well as in foreign markets. One of the major companies that Starbucks has acquired is Teavana Holdings Incorporation. Having being acquired in 2012, Teavana is one of the newest companies to be acquired by Starbucks. Teavana, which was established in 1997, embarked on production of wide range of tea products that included Yixing Clay teapots, China teapots, andTetsubin teapots among others. Teavana mission is to become the most noted and respected brand in the tea industry by ensuring that the culture of tea is effectively expanded in the world. By being acquired for approximately $620 million, Teavana has strong value for its customers and through the new tea enthusiasts; it will positively impact of the Starbucks tea brand.

Week 3, Checkpoint, Sequential and Selection Process Control Structure Essay Example for Free

Week 3, Checkpoint, Sequential and Selection Process Control Structure Essay Week 3, Checkpoint, Sequential and Selection Process Control Structure Payroll tax Calculation System Requirements -Salary Range 1 is 0.00 -1,499.99 -Salary Range 2 is 1,500.00-2,999.99 -Salary Range 3 is 3,000.00-4,999.99 -Salary Range 4 is 5,000.00-7,999.99 -Salary Range 5 is 8,000.00-14,999.99 -If the Salary Range is greater than 0.00, then the tax base is 0.00 plus 15% of the amount over 0.00 (amount-0.00*15%+0.00) -If the Salary Range is greater than 1,500.00, then the tax base is $225.00 plus 16% of the amount in excess of 1,500.00 (amount -1,500.00*16%+225.00) -If the Salary Range is greater than 3,000.00, then the tax base is 5. 00 plus 18% of the amount in excess of 3,000.00 (amount-3,000.00*18%+465.00) -If the Salary Range is greater than 5,000.00, then the tax base is $825.00 plus 20% of the amount in excess of 5,000.00 (amount-5,000.00*20%+825.00) -If the Salary Range is greater than 8,000.00, then the tax base is $1425.00 plus 25% of the amount in excess of 8,000.00 (amount-8,000.00*25%+1425.00) Input-Process-Output Chart Input Process Output (keyboard) Get the amount of salary earned GrossSalary (integer) Salary (integer) Calculate the total tax and adjusted net salary GrossSalary (integer) BaseTax (float) AddlTax (float) TotalTax (float) NetSalary (float) GrossSalary (integer) BaseTax (float) AddlTax (float) TotalTax (float) NetSalary (float) Display the Gross Salary, Base Tax, Additional Tax and Adjusted Net Salary (output to screen) FLOWCHARTs Main Module Calculate Net Salary Module DisplayGrossSalaryBaseTaxAdditionalTaxNetSalary Module PSEUDOCODE Main Module Declare GrossSalary as Integer Declare BaseTax as Float Declare BaseSalary as Float Declare AddlTax as Float Declare TotalTax as Float Declare NetSalary as Float Print â€Å"Enter the amount of the Gross Salary earned† Input GrossSalary Call CalculateNetSalary Module Call DisplayGrossSalaryBaseTaxAdditionalTaxNetSalary Module End Main Module CalculateNetSalary Module NetSalary = GrossSalary – BaseTax – (GrossSalary – BaseSalary * AddlTax) If GrossSalary 0.00 1,500.00 Then BaseTax = 0.00 BaseSalary = 0.00 AddlTax = (Gross Salary – BaseSalary) * 0.15 End if If GrossSalary 1,500.00 3,000.00 Then BaseTax = 225.00 BaseSalary = 1,500.00 AddlTax = (Gross Salary – BaseSalary) * 0.16 End if If GrossSalary 3,000.00 5,000.00 Then BaseTax = 465.00 BaseSalary = 3,000.00 AddlTax = (Gross Salary – BaseSalary) * 0.18 End if If GrossSalary 5,000.00 8,000.00 Then BaseTax = 825.00 BaseSalary = 5,000.00 AddlTax = (Gross Salary – BaseSalary) * 0.20 End if If GrossSalary 8,000.00 15,000.00 Then BaseTax = 1,425.00 BaseSalary = 8,000.00 AddlTax = (Gross Salary – BaseSalary) * 0.25 End if If GrossSalary 15,000.00 Then BaseTax = 1,425.00 BaseSalary = 8,000.00 AddlTax = (Gross Salary – BaseSalary) * 0..25 End if GrossSalary – BaseTax – (GrossSalary – BaseSalary * AddlTax) End CaclulateNetSalary Module DisplayGrossSalaryBaseTaxAddlTaxNetSalary Module Print â€Å"Employee Gross Pay, Tax and Net Pay Breakdown† Print â€Å"Gross Salary† GrossSalary Print â€Å"Base Tax† BaseTax Print â€Å"Additional Tax† AddlTax Print â€Å"Net Salary† * NetSalary End DisplayGrossSalaryBaseTaxAddlTaxNetSalary Module Test Values Input Expected Output Comments Salary = 0.00 Tax = 0.00 Lowest salary in salary range 1 Salary = -1,000.00 Error Message Out of range condition Salary = 1,000.00 Tax = 150.00 Midrange salary in salary range 1 Salary= 1,499.99 Tax = 225.00 Highest salary in salary range 1 Salary = 1,500.00 Tax = 225.00 Lowest salary in salary range 2 Salary = 2,250.00 Tax = 345.00 Midrange salary in salary range 2 Salary = 2,999.99 Tax = 465.00 Highest salary in salary range 2 Salary = 3,000.00 Tax = 465.00 Lowest salary in salary range 3 Salary = 4,000.00 Tax = 645.00 Midrange salary in salary range 3 Salary = 4,999.99 Tax = 825.00 Highest salary in salary range 3 Salary = 5,000.00 Tax = 825.00 Lowest salary in salary range 4 Salary = 6,500.00 Tax = 1,095.00 Midrange salary in salary range 4 Salary = 7,999.99 Tax = 1,425.00 Highest salary in salary range 4 Salary = 8,000.00 Tax = 1,425.00 Lowest salary in salary range 5 Salary = 11,500.00 Tax = 2,300.00 Midrange salary in salary range 5 Salary = 14,999.99 Tax = 3,175.00 Highest salary in salary range 5 Salary = 15,000.00 Tax = 3,175.00 Salary that exceeds the highest salary in salary range 5 by 0.01 Salary = 100,000.00 Tax = 24,425.00 Salary that exceeds the highest salary in salary range 5

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Modern biomedicine advances have impelled the demand of sensitive, accurate and fast analytical techniques for biodetection and biodiagnosis. Many tools ranging from fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or immunoassays have been used to resolve analytical problems related with health. Although these techniques are well established, several drawbacks still limit their fully applicability, e.g. prior sample preparation, time consumption or relatively low detection limits[1]. Recent developments in laser technology and nanoscience have converted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as one of the techniques with highest analytical potential. The SERS effect is associated to the intense electromagnetic field enhancements provided, upon light excitation, by localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) at the surface of a plasmonic metal with features in the nanoscale range [2]. The Raman signal of the molecules in close vicinity to the metal substrate is enormously intensifie d, allowing sensing applications down to single-molecule [3]. Since its initial discovery, almost 40 years ago, the field of SERS spectroscopy has experienced an exponential growth, renewing the interest within the scientific community[4]. Among numerous potential applications, SERS has emerged as an ultrasensitive tool for detection and identification of biomolecules, such as DNA. [1, 5]. However, although a wide range of indirect SERS-based DNA approaches have been developed (mostly relying on the mediated capture of the target DNA and the use of extrinsic SERS reporters), the direct SERS spectral analysis of unmodified DNA still remains scarcely used, despite the fact that it provides specific, selective and complete vibrational information. The major limitation has been so far the lack of spectral reproducibility at low DNA concentrations. The investigation of the native structure of DNA (especially double-stranded DNA) based on its affinity towards gold/silver substrates was ma inly hindered by the phosphate backbone of DNA, since it is negatively charged at physiological pH. Recently, the spectral reproducibility issue have been addressed by different scientific groups based on the interaction of DNA with negatively charged nanoparticles, which have renewed the interest indirect SERS-based strategies of detection of DNA.[6-9] On the other hand, Alvarez-Puebla and co-workers developed a successful alternative strategy based on the use of positively-charged silver colloids coated with spermine molecules ([emailprotected]).[10, 11] DNA is the carrier of all genetic information in living organisms. Although it is a stable macromolecule, can be subjected to changes such as mutations derived from evolution, genetic diseases or genomic aberrations which can lead to cancer.[12] Apart from the known four canonical bases contained in DNA and RNA, a variety of modified nucleobases play a major role in gene regulation.[13] In higher organisms, epigenetic information for gen regulation is needed in order to determine their functions and properties. 5-methylcytosine is the most investigated modification in mammalian genomic DNA. However, many cytosine variants in DNA regulartory network such 5-formylcytosine, 5-carboxylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine have been recently identified. In fact, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is produced in mammalian tissues and depleted in human cancer cells.[14] These discoveries have suggested that new nucleotide variants possess epigenetic functions for gen regulation that have been underesti mated. In addition to epigenetic modifications, an ample variety of nucleobase lesions (such as alkylation, oxidation, deamination, and cross-linking) can take place as a result of carcinogen attacks to DNA.[15, 16] In some cases, carcinogens are inherently reactive toward DNA while others require to be firstly metabolically activated to electrophilic intermediates such as phagocyte-generated reactive oxygen, nitrogen and halogen species.[17-19] Anyhow, all these DNA lesions are mutagenic or cytotoxic and, if not properly repaired by the corresponding enzymatic systems, may induce base mispairing during DNA replication.[16] Accumulation of such mutations in genes controlling cell growth, proliferation, programmed cell death, and cell differentiation is likely to cause cancer.[20, 21] Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are possibly the main class of DNA damaging agents, which generates a wide set of different oxidative lesions [22] such as those produced by the direct attack of the highly reactiv e hydroxyl radical (†¢OH) to the nucleobase double bonds. On the other hand, inflammation-induced formation of 5-halocytosines adducts (5-chlorocytosine and 5-bromocytosine), have been identified in DNA from human tissues.[23-27] Importantly, 5-halocytosines could act as fraudulent epigenetic signals, in part explaining the link between chronic inflammation and cancer.[28-33] Due to the recent discoveries of new nucleotide variants with epigenetic functions, an intense research has been directed toward the development of novel methods to detect, profile, and sequence these base modifications in the genome and transcriptome.[34] These strategies span from pure detection and quantification methods (thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis,[35] antibody-based detection,[36, 37] 32P-postlabelling[15] and liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS)[38]) to genome-wide profiling methods and single-base-resolution sequencing methods.[39] A relatively new field in this exciting area is the screening of DNA samples for unknown or unanticipated lesions, which is referred to as â€Å"adductomics†.[40] Nowadays, this sort of analysis is primarily performed with liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution/accurate mass spectrometry (LC−MSn).[15, 40] This technique relies on the fragmentation of protonated modified nucleobases which are then d ifferentiated according to their molecular mass.[15, 40] However, DNA adduct analysis by mass spectrometry is costly and time-consuming since it requires a prior sample preparation which normally involves several standard steps, such as DNA hydrolysis into the corresponding monomers, enrichment of the DNA adducts, removal of unmodified nucleobases and addition of an appropriate internal standard.[40] Extreme caution must be paid to avoid artificial generation of DNA lesions during these processing steps. This research project aims the direct SERS detection of four different cytosine variants in single-stranded DNA sequences, by means of [emailprotected] colloids. 5-methylcytosine (mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC) were investigated due to their epigenetic importance in mammalian DNA. 5-bromocytosine (BrC) and 5-hydroxycytosine (hC) were studied as a representative modification involved in DNA damage. Transition from Raman to SERS The Raman phenomenon is related to the process where inelastic scattered photons are simultaneously emitted upon monochromatic light interaction with a specific molecule (Figure 1a). During the scattering process, a large majority of the photons are scattered at the same incident energy (Raighley scattering), whereas a small part of photons either gain or loose energy (anti-Stokes and Stokes Raman scattering respectively).[41] The resulting Raman spectral bands correspond to vibrational and rotational transitions which are specific to each molecular system providing a vibrational â€Å"fingerprint†. Raman scattering is a weak phenomenon since nearly 1 in 106 1010photons are inelastically scattered[42]. In most of the Raman studies the fraction of the spectrum involving anti-Stokes bands is usually ignored due to the weakness of the bands (Figure 1b). Although the invention of the laser in 1960s implied great improvements in Raman spectroscopy, the lack of sensitivity was stil l a sever limitation. In 1974, Fleischmann et al.[43] observed for the first time an unexpected dramatic enhancement of the Raman signal from pyridine in presence of rough silver electrodes. Later in 1977, a series of independent reports of Jeanmaire et al.[44], and Albrecht et al.[45] explained the origin of such enhancement, which renewed the interest in Raman techniques and paved the way to Surface Enhanced Raman scattering. There are two widely accepted theories that explain the origin of SERS enhancement compared to Raman scattering (Figure 1c): the electromagnetic enhancement (EM) and the chemical enhancement (CE). The EM is considered to be the major contribution of the enhancement and is highly influenced by the characteristics of the metal (composition, shape, size). This EM effect arises upon light interaction with a noble metal surface, generating collective oscillations of conduction electrons named as surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). The coupling of these LSPRs with the emission of the analyte adsorbed or in close vicinity to the metal surface is responsible for the scattering intensification, which can reach values up to 1010-1011 [41]. In particular, large local electromagnetic fields are observed at the inter-particle junctions (known as â€Å"hot spots†) of noble metal nanoparticles which are in close proximity (mostly Ag and Au). Among others, the EM enhancement drastically decre ases as the distance between the analyte and the metal surface increases [42] which explains the requirement of close proximity between the nanostructured surface and the target molecule. The CE contribution to the SERS signal enhancement is usually weaker and, differently to the EM mechanism, is molecule-specific. In fact, when the analyte adsorbs onto the metallic substrate, a new surface-complex is formed and, new electronic transitions may be possible due to the change in the analyte properties such as the Raman polarizability. These transitions are comparable to the Resonant Raman transitions, which analogously lead to higher Raman cross sections. If both mechanisms (EM and CE) are present, their effect is assumed to be multiplicative[46]. Figure 1.(a) Schematic comparison between Raman and SERS effects (b) Raman and SERS spectra of Rhodamine G (c) SERS enhancement mechanisms***. 1.2 SERS substrates For SERS applications, noble metals substrates (mostly silver and gold) must contain features in the nano-range scale (not higher than the excitation wavelength). In fact, whereas large nanostructures highly hamper the LSPRs, too small nanostructures cannot support these plasmon resonances, leading to low enhancement factors [41]. During the past years great efforts have been made to coherently engineer SERS substrates. Two main approaches have been used for the design of SERS substrates: top down approaches, involving mainly lithographic techniques, and bottom up approaches.[47] Top down approaches allow the controlled manipulation of interparticle gaps and relatively simple functionalization of metal surfaces. In the case of bottom up approaches, nanoparticles are chemically synthetized and subsequently assembled in suspension or in ordered manner. In this context, silver and gold nanoparticles are the most used SERS-active substrates due to their outstanding optical response. Noteworthy, the LSPRs of silver substrates cover a wider wavelength range (comprising most of the visible and nearinfrared spectral region) than gold substrates. Below 600 nm, gold nanoparticles mostly absorb the incident light, hampering the surface plasmon resonances in this spectral range. [48] On the other hand, gold nanoparticles are more stable under oxidative conditions, easily prepared and with high potential tunable plasmon properties. [49] 1.3 SERS instrumentation Current dispersive Raman instruments are coupled with microscopes and several laser beam lines as excitation sources. The choice of the excitation wavelength (mainly from the visible to NIR) depends strictly on the application. An important factor to take into account when performing a SERS measurement, is the Raman scattering efficiency since it depends on the fourth power of the frequency[50]. Therefore, shorter wavelengths improve the Raman sensitivity although the risk of fluorescence or sample degradation also increases and has to be considered [51]. In this particular set-up and in most modern Raman spectrophotometers, the inelastically scattered light is collected at 180o geometry. In the confocal unit, the light from the laser initially passes through a pinhole aperture. This light is then delivered through the notch filters (interference filters) where it is completely reflected into the microscope and reaches the sample through the beam splitter. Then, the inelastically scattered light passes back through the same optics, a monocromator and finally reaches de CCD detector. The Rayleigh scattering is efficiently blocked by the notch filters.

Frederick Douglass Essay -- Biography

Frederick Douglass's Disguised Message Frederick Douglass, a firm believer in equality, was one of the most influential leaders of the abolitionist movement in America. An ex-slave, Douglass pushed for abolition and brought attention to the subject through his commanding speeches and his powerful writings. Among his writings Douglass published his autobiography "Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" , which is indeed one of his more famous pieces of work. Douglass uses his own life and personal experiences to describe what life was like for a slave at the time. Although seen as a simple autobiography of his life, the text goes deeper with components that would ultimately affect the northern audience's view on southern slaveholders. Targeting the Northern audience was crucial because they were the only group he could persuade enough to change the way things were. Douglass used his life story as a propaganda device to promote and drive the abolition movement among northerners. Before Douglass begins his life story , the preface written by Wm. Lloyd Garrison, prepares the reader for the abolitionist message that is really behind Douglass's Narrative. The preface focuses on Garrison's admiration for Douglass and his cause. He describes hearing Douglass speak for the first time and states "I think I never hated so intensely as at that moment..."(2065). Garrison also demonstrates how devoted to abolition and persuading Douglass is by writing "..if Mr. Douglass could be persuaded to consecrate his time and talents to the promotion of the anti-slavery enterprise, a powerful impetus would be given to it, and a stunning blow..inflicted on northern prejudice against a colored complexion."(2066). To furt... ...ir sins. Using his written word and combining all the factors used to affect his audience, Douglass hoped to shed light upon the true nature of a slave holder and the practice of slavery. He knew his boundaries and did not try to promote a movement towards total civil rights; his intent was to motivate enough people to join his movement and fight for abolition. Douglass hoped his readers would become sympathetic towards the still enslaved using his own real experiences such as having no father, being separated from his mother, how the slaves were treated like animals, and the brutal punishments and killings without justice. Douglass also expected to place a black mark on southern slave holders by telling us how they had affairs with the slaves and used religion as support for their actions. Douglass strived to make readers imagine themselves in his position.

Budgeting Essay -- Finances Accounting Budgets Essays

Budgeting Budgeting is the systematic method of allocating financial, physical, and human resources to achieve an organization’s strategic goals. Budgets are utilized by for-profit and non-profit organizations to monitor the progress towards the goals, assist in the control of spending, and help predict cash flow for the organization. The central challenge that budget developers encounter is predicting what the future holds for the internal business and external factors. Reading the future is something that can never be done with perfect precision. The fast pace of technological change, the complexities of global competition and world events make developing effective budgets both more difficult and more important. Important benefits of improving the budgeting process include better companywide understanding of strategic goals, more coordinated support for those goals, and an improved ability to respond quickly to competition. (Gruner & Jahr, 2003 Inc Magazine). Anyone familiar with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and practices will find most accounting for nonprofit activity to be very familiar. There are, however, some significant differences, which include:  « Accounting for Contributions  « Capitalizing and Depreciating Assets  « Use of Cash- and Modified Cash-Basis Accounting  « Functional Expense Classification The act of budgeting resources to meet or beat the goals of an organization is an art form in any type of business. â€Å"All business should prepare budgets,† (Hansen and Mowen, p. 282). The advantage to budgeting is that: 1. It forces to plan. 2. It provides information that can be used to improve decision making. 3. It provides a standard for performance evaluation. 4. It improves communication and coordination. If good budgeting is important for every successful business or organization, can we expect to have industry standard and general practices that are followed in every type of organization? Probable not, but certain standard can be expected, which is the direction of this term paper. Are there a difference or should there be a difference in the way a for-profit and a not-for-profit conduct their budgeting procedures. In both cases, they have income and expenses, employees and goals and objectives of the organization. The hypothesis is that there is no difference in the bu... ..., a wide variety of popular accounting software systems are available that have been designed to satisfy these needs. If the nonprofit organization uses an adequate accounting system, sets up its categories and classifications in line with the IRS reporting requirements, and assiduously labels all revenue and expenses appropriately, then completing the IRS annual report is a relatively painless matter. References Bangs Jr, David H and Pellecchia, Michael, August 15, 2000, Action Plan: Forecasting and Cash-Flow Budgeting retrieved from web site http://www.muridae.com/ nporegulation/accounting.html on February 27, 2003. Critical Issues in Financial Accounting Regulation for Nonprofit Organizations, Online Compendium of Federal and State Regulations for U.S. Nonprofit Organizations, retrieved from web site http://www.muridae.com/nporegulation/main.html on February 28, 2003 Gruner + Jahr, January 12, 2000, Best Practices: Developing Budgets, Inc Magazine, USA Publishing. Inc.com, retrieved from web site http://www.inc.com/articles/ finance/fin_manage/budget/16379.html on February 27th, 2003 Hansen & Mowen, Management Accounting, 6th edition, 2003, South Western

Internet Laws :: essays research papers

Crime and the Criminal Internet Laws Cyber Space Law Right now there is a very interesting war being waged in the court rooms across America. It is a battle for the rights of citizens on the Internet. The Internet is a fairly new medium gaining wide popularity in 1994. Because of its incredible growth in popularity in a very short amount of time it has been hard to regulate. The first act to come out regarding the Internet and Freedom of Speech was PL 99-508 the Electronic Communications and Privacy Act of 1986 . This act consisted of two parts, title I and title II. Title I - Interception of Communications and Related Matters. Basically takes the existing laws and updates them to include computers. Where before it was illegal to intercept private telephone calls, it now says it is illegal to intercept private computer transmissions. It also includes a provision to make it legal to intercept public radio transmissions like it is with public radio programs. It also allows Internet Service Providers to keep a log of who c alled and their activity on-line to protect themselves. Title II - Stored Wire and Electronic Communications and Transactional Records Access. This provision adds sections to Title 18 of the United States Code (USC). In section 2701 - Unlawful Access to Stored Communications; it makes it a federal offense to hack into a computer system. Actually what it says is that it is not illegal to gain access but once you do gain access, by mistake or intention, it is illegal to continue to access the computer system. This crime is punishable by $5000 or up to six months in jail. Section 2703 of USC Title 18 is the section that instructs Internet Service Providers to keep a back-up record of your activities on-line with a court order from a government entity. Then after the government notifies the individual in question, the material is either used by the agency or is destroyed. Probably the biggest battle yet over the first amendment rights so far has been the Communications Decency Act or CD A. In March 1995 Senator Jim Exon introduces legislation to criminalize online publication of any material deemed "obscene, lascivious, filthy or indecent." This legislation was attached to a larger and popular Telecommunications Reform Bill. The Senate and the House voted to approve the Telecommunications Reform Bill in February 1996.

Save the Girl Child

In older days the birth of a girl child was considered as auspicious. As per an Indian proverb, â€Å"A home without a daughter is like a body without soul†. The birth of a daughter in the house was compared with the advent of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Kno People generally ask this question that girl child is a curse & blessing . But I think it as a stupid question. How can a girl be a curse. A girl is always blessing. Girl is a devi. Woman are the pillars of society. How can they be a curse.Girl is a mother who take can her children in every part of l That's because there are only 927 girls for every 1,000 boys under the age of 6. And most of these 927 girls are taken out of school early so that they can help in the fields or work as child labour to support the family. Isn’t it time that we put an end to this barbaric discrimination and gave gi These days gender imbalance is becoming a grave problem especially in India. Girls are either aborted from mother’s womb or killed after birth. This gives rise to crimes like rape and killing.Nearly half of India’s children are girls. However, the girl child is considered a lesser child in our society. Irrespective of class, caste and economic conditions, she is discriminated against and neglected at all the levels. This result in the denial of basic services required for her surviv Daughter is the knot that ties the family together†. â€Å"A baby girl.. one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know,& one of the reasons why there is a extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in our life today.† In many traditional cultures, fathers and moth Tears of a girl child- How can we make a difference? This story is older than the time, a girl still die, killer still commit the crime. Why there is a smile in the face of a family when a boy is born and not when a girl is born? I don’t see a reason why everyone wants a boy and The role of women is vital to all spheres and facets of life.Thus investment on a girl child is a smarter way to the overall development of a family. Education is one of the many vital fields  where girl children remains a victim of disparity and is neglected as compared to the other sex. But it is p Girl Child in India By Rajni Seth Ads by Google UNICEF India – Donate Now DonateToUnicef. org/Donation 9,00,000 children die every year Your Rs. 750 a month can save lives Embryo Adoption -Donation www. EmbryosAlive. com Embryos in Cryostorage? Adoptors Are Waiting- Donors Choose Are You a Fresher? NIIT. com/IT-Training Join Placement Oriented 4 Month IT Course Designed for Fresh Grads A world of the girl child is full of love, warmth and concern.She is the procreator and the mother of tomorrow. She is the one who shapes the destiny of civilization and imparts values and virtues to the future. Unfortunately this beautiful world is gloomy and filled with despair. The color of innocence is ironically transforming into color of suppression. This beautiful creation of God has become the gravest concern today. Her world is filled with despair and she is left alone on a barren land searching for a warm touch, mother's love and father's lullaby.Traditions and rituals are outlining the survival of the girl child in India. Even though the country has made remarkable growth in various fields, it is tragically representing the lowest sex ratio. Patriarchal norms, low status of women and son idolism are the primary reasons that cause bias against girl child in India. The shocking decline of girl-boy ratio has alarmed future of India. The Census report indicates a highly skewed gender ratio that fell from 976 girls born every 1000 boys to 927 girls every 1000 boys in 2001.In various parts of the country like Rajasthan, Haryana and Rajasthan the ratio has even declined to 800:1000. Not only female feticide and infanticide, a series of other discrepancy like lack of girl education, lack of nutrition, early marriage and absence of basic necessities are also attached to the gravest concern of humanity. Lack of education holds the girl child to a low standard of living and provides inability to expose her skills and knowledge. Educating a girl is education a whole family†¦

Atomic Company Case Study

Thanks to a lucky series of events, Atomic Company has enjoyed a sharp increase in sales of their Tiger Pants line. The most obvious and immediate pains being felt by management is the inability to predict future sales and the high amount being paid out in sales commissions. While these are legitimate concerns, I believe deeper problems exist. The current sales structure divides independent sales representatives into different product lines and territories. This means that an Atomic Company retailer carrying four or five different Atomic product lines would have four or five different sales representatives. Not only that, independent sales representatives typically have a fairly high turnover rate in the industry, which means that relationships with Atomic retailers suffer. With this structure, it’s difficult to get a full picture of a retailer’s needs. In order to place an order for Atomic clothing, the retailer has to go through multiple people. With high turnover, it could mean that a retailer has to work with a new sales rep every year – sometimes more frequently. It’s difficult to estimate future sales because sales reps don’t have a big picture view of retailer needs. More importantly, Atomic Company is not encouraging fully committed relationships by creating value, meeting expectations, or building trust (Cron & DeCarlo, 2009). An added issue surrounding sales structure is that commissions are set up so that sales reps get rewarded with high commissions for orders from existing accounts. If the sales reps are getting orders from a spike like the one just experienced, they may not care to go out and find new business or nurture existing accounts since they’ve already met their personal commission goals. Alternative Courses of Action 1. Develop a sales structure where a greater number of territories are created for independent sales representatives. Keep the commission at a flat 15 percent. 2. Transition into a company sales force for all product lines of Atomic Company, including Tiger Pants. Set salary at $40,000. Reduce the commissions to 10 percent for sales from the first year of new retail accounts and five percent of new sales to existing retail accounts. Further, set up a way for existing accounts to place straight rebuys directly with the company that sales reps would receive two percent commissions. 3. Maintain status quo, sticking with the current structure for independent sales representatives and commissions. Analysis of Alternatives 1. By increasing the number of territories and then assigning one representative to each territory for all apparel lines, reps will be able to focus on building relationships with retail stores. Each rep will have a good idea of the total amount of Atomic apparel being purchased by their retail stores, along with opportunities to expand various lines. They will understand their customers and be better able to predict future sales because they will have developed a relationship with store managers. This approach will simplify the purchasing procedures and create value for retail stores since they will only need to place one order for all Atomic products. The number of sales calls will decrease, level of communication will increase, and overall expectations will be met at a much higher rate. Commission rates would be kept at the usual 15 percent so current independent sales reps working with Atomic wouldn’t have to adjust to a new pay structure. More importantly, Atomic won’t have to risk losing their current reps and have to go through the hiring process or risk disruption to current accounts. The downside to going with this approach is that Atomic Company may end up spending more than they should on sales commissions. Fifteen percent is a very high rate and really starts to take its toll when sales spike like they did in the case of Punk Rock Academy. Further, independent reps are less loyal to the company, leading to higher turnover rates and, ultimately, impaired retail account relationships. 2. Hiring company sales reps and separating them out into defined territories for all Atomic Company product lines will provide each of the benefits stated above. Additionally, company sales reps will feel a higher sense of commitment for Atomic and the accounts they serve since they will be receiving a salary with commissions based on performance. The way the commission structure is set up, there’s incentive for sales reps to try to identify opportunities for new business. If a situation similar to Punk Rock Academy arises, sales reps will still get some commissions from their existing retail accounts without getting bogged down with administrative tasks. Straight rebuy orders will be processed internally, allowing reps to focus on generating new sales. A downside of going with this new structure is that there would be a significant adjustment period for new reps to get hired and become familiar with retail accounts. Additionally, an investment would have to be made in providing office space, equipment, training, and an employee benefits package. 3. Sticking to the status quo will produce results similar to what have been achieved to-date. While the company has experienced success with it, recent developments with Punk Rock Academy have proven that it is flawed. Independent sales reps don’t have a fully vested interest in Atomic’s success. This structure also makes it difficult for true relationships to be formed with retail accounts. Finally, commission rates are structured in such a way that there is not a lot of incentive to develop new retail accounts as long as business is booming. The minute fads change, however, reps will be set back and will have to scramble to make up for the loss in sales. Recommended Course of Action Although switching the entire company and all product lines over to internal sales reps would require a significant initial investment of time and money, it will be worth it in the long run. My recommendation is to go with option two. Overall, this course of action will put the focus back on forming account relationships that will create value and allow Atomic Company to meet the expectations of their retail outlets. More in-depth knowledge of accounts in smaller territories will make it easier to predict future sales, especially when a spike in sales occurs. Retail stores will provide excellent input on consumer behavior since they know their client base and can use past experience as a reference. The revised salary with commission structure will help reps balance out serving existing accounts with finding new business. A base salary will help retain sales reps since they won’t be worried about facing months when sales might be a little slower. Implementation/Action Plan All existing independent sales reps should be alerted as soon as possible that effective the beginning of third quarter, Atomic Company is making a switch to inside sales representatives. All reps with a solid track record would be invited to continue on as a full time employee with salary and revised commission structure. Reps would have two weeks to make a decision on their intentions to stay with the company. If individuals choose to leave, they would be offered a bonus if they stay on contract until the beginning of the fourth quarter. After two weeks, Atomic Company will have a sense of how many new sales representatives will need to be hired so they can begin the recruitment process. Formal salary and commission structures will be set up and the VP of sales will develop a complete plan for sales training and account relationship management under the revised territories. Benchmark sales goals, objectives and strategies will be written out to fall in line with overall company goals. After the first quarter under the new structure, management will need to evaluate progress and adjust as needed. Contingency Plans If timing doesn’t allow for a quick implementation of the new sales structure, a hybrid approach can be taken. The eastern territories can be broken down into smaller areas and inside sales reps can be hired to manage those accounts. Meanwhile, the central and western territories of the U. S. can maintain use of independent sales reps for various product lines. This could be a good opportunity to test out the new structure to see how well received it is by retail accounts and how it impacts overall sales.

Basics Of Pharmaceuticals

Aside from the requisites of drug manufacturing, a drug company must also have the knowledge on the legal aspect of the pharmaceutical business. A company must be able to know what agencies of the government he has to seek advice from before it undergoes the manufacturing process in order to have a good start.Relative to this, the company needs to know which regulates the safety and efficacy of the drugs to be manufactured and which agency protects the rights of the manufacturer and the consumers against illicit drugs.This paper will discuss the basic responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency including the approval process of manufacturing a generic drug copy. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND ITS RESPONSIBILITIES The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is generally responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of all drugs for human and veterinary use.FDA’s 1mission statement specifically states that the administration â€Å"is res ponsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. † This will then give us the idea why FDA need to regulate drugs, and that is to ensure that they are safe and effective. The administration is also held responsible for ensuring that the drugs have information that is honest and accurate for the general public to use.The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) (Drug Enforcement Administration for the United States) is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Laws and Regulations. In the United States, DEA is under the wing of the Department of Justice, where it serves as an arm of the justice against the 2those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illi cit traffic in the United States. The DEA’s drugs of concern include: Cocaine, marijuana, heroin, inhalants, LSD, Ecstasy, Steroids, Oxycontin and Methamphetamine.The following list of specific responsibilities is adopted by this writer from the DEA’s official website: >Investigation and preparation for the prosecution of major violators of controlled substance laws operating at interstate and international levels. >Investigation and preparation for prosecution of criminals and drug gangs who perpetrate violence in our communities and terrorize citizens through fear and intimidation. >Management of a national drug intelligence program in cooperation with federal, state, local, and foreign officials to collect, analyze, and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence information.>Seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from, traceable to, or intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking. >Enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act as they pertain to the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances. >Coordination and cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials on mutual drug enforcement efforts and enhancement of such efforts through exploitation of potential interstate and international investigations beyond local or limited federal jurisdictions and resources.>Coordination and cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies, and with foreign governments, in programs designed to reduce the availability of illicit abuse-type drugs on the United States market through nonenforcement methods such as crop eradication, crop substitution, and training of foreign officials. >Responsibility, under the policy guidance of the Secretary of State and U. S. Ambassadors, for all programs associated with drug law enforcement counterparts in foreign countries.>Liaison with the United Nations, Interpol, and other organizations on matters relating to international drug control programs. DEA’S PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS Drug Enforcement Agency also updates its programs and operations according to the demand of technology and the development of new methods of illicit drug operations. Recent report published in the KT4 Online alerted the public on the emergence of illegal websites that are bringing prescription drugs out into the market (KT4 Online, August 24, 2007).The DEA reported that such websites are able to market their products using just credit cards as payment modes. The agency now referred the so-called â€Å"rogue pharmacies† to the congress for the legislation of a more formidable law for such illegal and dangerous activities, which are regulated because such companies do not meet the standards set by the United States. Even medicinal or herbal plants that are not yet studied or regulated under the law is also under the responsibility of the DEA to study and made research relative to its danger in the human health.In Utah, a native plant called salvia divinorium, has been put into attention by the Hill Air Force Base which according to initial findings can cause hallucinations. In the report published in the Salt Lake Tribune, â€Å"magic mint† as its street name, is ingested or inhaled usually by the members of the military and the people inside the base (Salt Lake Tribune, August 20, 2007). The herbal plant is still legal as it is still under research by the DEA. Experts also say that the plant that grows in the wilds of Utah can cause lung irritation when its dried leaves are inhaled.LAWS AND POLICIES GOVERNING GENERIC DRUGS The regulations pertaining to generics drugs are under the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration. Under the law, pharmaceutical companies or drug manufacturers have all the right to apply for a generic copy of their branded drugs. It can also be that a manufacturer seeks for a license from the brand name company to make a generic copy of the branded product . A generic copy of the drug is called â€Å"authorized generics† because the branded product manufacturer had given the authority to the manufacturer of the generic drug copy.However, these generic copied have to undergo the legal process that is regulated by the FDA. It is the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, commonly referred to as the Waxman-Hatch Act, which is being used as a legal basis for FDA for regulating generic drug copies. â€Å"Since the law was enacted over 23 years ago, the number of generic manufacturers and number of generic drug products on the market have expanded exponentially† (Coster, John M. 2007). The law allows a generic drug that is a generic copy of the pioneer drug to be approved by FDA to be marketed by the same company.This is even without the submission of the usual New Drug Application (NDA) that is submitted in full when a branded product is being applied for marketing. The NDA is usually a time-consuming and expensive clinical trials required to be done by the drug manufacturer in order to comply with the safety and efficacy standards required of them. With the Waxman-Hatch Act, NDA is being replaced with the submission of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) provided that the generic copy has demonstrated the fact that it is bioequivalent to the pioneer drug (J.Coster, The Pharmacist, Vol. 32, No. 6, 2007). This process allows the generic copy to be approved for marketing the easier and faster way because it does not to prove its safety and effectiveness through trials since the pioneer drug had already proven such. For the ANDA of the generic drug to be approved, its pioneer drug must have the four required certifications: (1) that no patent is listed for the pioneer drug; (2) that the patent has expired; (3) the date on which the patent will expire; or (4) that the patent is invalid or not infringed.Such information is listed in the FDA’s Orange Book, a reference for t he pharmacists in determining the interchangeability of the drugs. Just recently, the Waxman-Hatch Act has been replaced with 3McCain-Schumer Act, after its authors Senators John McCain and Charles E. Schumer. The main feature of the new act is the changing of the 180-day exclusivity term of the first generic drug copy to only the 30-day term. Exclusivity, in the old law is granted for the manufacturer of the generic drug to market the product exclusively within 180 days that is for the manufacturer who first secured the FDA’s approval of the generic copy.With the new law, exclusivity term is shortened for the purpose of further price reduction of the generic drugs as competition is encouraged after the 30-day term. It is estimated, according to Schumer’s study that the new law will enable consumers to save 60% of their usual expense when buying branded drugs and that will give consumers a total of $71 billion savings in 10 years (Bash, Dana, CNN Online, May 01, 2001). Schumer cited Claritin, a prescription allergy drug as example which costs an average of $63.65 while its generic equivalent will only cost $25. 46. Generally, the new law is of great help for the Americans in terms of their medical expenditures. CONCLUSION By looking into the basic responsibilities and functions of the FDA and DEA, we were able to have an idea of the basic legal aspect of drug manufacturing and marketing. Also by having an overview of the laws governing generic copy manufacturing, we were able to have the basic knowledge of how the approval process rolls.In general we can conclude that the legal process of drug manufacturing and marketing is really a long and expensive process for the companies especially for the branded or patented drugs. However with the Schumer-McCain Act, the process is shortened and had benefited especially the consumers for enabling the cheaper version of their branded medicine to be marketed. REFERENCES 1FDAs Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. fda. gov/opacom/morechoices/mission. html 2DEA Mission Statement. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www.usdoj. gov/dea/agency/mission. htm 3Senate Passes Ground-Breaking Schumer-McCain Generic Drug Bill (Press Release). July 31, 2002. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://schumer. senate. gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/press_releases/PR01124. html Bash, Dana. McCain, Schumer introduce generic drug bill. CNN Online. May 01, 2001. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://archives. cnn. com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/05/01/senate. genericdrugs/index. html Coster, John M. The Waxman-Hatch Generic Drug Law: 23 Years Later. The Pharmacist. June 19, 2007. Vol. 32 No. 6Griffith, Christopher, et. al. (2002). View from Washington: Senate approves changes in generic-drug approval. Leydig, Voit Mayer, Ltd. Report. October 2002. Volume 3 Issue 4 Colonel bans use of ‘magic mint' herb. Salt Lake Tribune. August 20, 2007. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http: //www. sltrib. com/News/ci_6668009 Federal Authorities Warn Against Online Rogue Pharmacies. KT4 Online. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. ktiv. com/News/index. php? ID=16295 What FDA Regulates. Retrieved on August 26, 2007 from http://www. fda. gov/comments/regs. html

Peace and Conflict Essay

While the term conflict generally is associated with negative encounters, conflict itself is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. In fact, engaging in conflict can have positive effects on relationships and organizations. Conflict among people, institutions, organizations, nations and in all relationships are a normal, natural and inevitable part of life. In itself, it is to a great extent a necessary tool that enhances development and can be regarded as normal and a prerequisite under certain conditions. In view if this, this paper will labor to clearly examine the conditions in which peace is said to be a normal phenomenon. The term conflict will exhaustively be defined from different school of thoughts and its kinds or types outlined, followed by cited conditions that advocate for the presence of conflict as being normal. Thereafter, a comprehensive conclusion will be drawn from the entire discussion. Conflict can be defined in many ways and can be considered as an expression of hostility, negative attitudes, antagonism, aggression rivalry and misunderstanding. It is associated with situation that involve contradictory or irreconcilable interests between two opposing groups. The term conflict is derived from a Latin word that means to clash or engage in a fight. It is a confrontation between one or more parties aspiring towards incompatible means or ends, Miller (2005). ‘’Conflict is a multi-dimensional social phenomenon which is an integral feature of human existence, essential to the ongoing processes of history, to social change, and transformation,’’ International Alert et al. 1996, 3). Swanstrom and Weissmann (2005) define conflict as being the result of opposing interests involving scarce resources, goal divergence and frustration. This is outside the traditional military sphere and is based on behavioral dimensions. The process begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively affected, or is about to negatively affect, something that the first party holds in great esteem or importance. In the same sense three forms of conflict have been identified. This implies that it has levels to influence namely; Interstate, which is the disputes between nation-states or the violation of the state systems of alliance; Internal conflict, is type of dispute that happens within a given society or part of the given society such as territorial disputes, and civil and ethnic wars; and State-formation, this is the battles over control of government. These are internationally recognized as challenges, which to some extent have been classified as a normal phenomenon as people are heterogeneous in their interests and desires, Wallensteen (2002). Differences in interpretation of the conflict result from different orientations in an effort to resolve and overcome conflicts. One thing that different approaches agree on is that conflicts are essentially clashes among people. These clashes arise from differences of values and interests of opposing parties, those parties being individuals, groups or entire organizations, (Adler, 2002). Conflict also has a positive dimension as normal forms of social interaction which may contribute to the maintenance, development, change and overall stability of social entities. Many social scientists hold that periods of change, be it economic growth or decline, political transitions, or social innovation are associated with conflict. A Dutch scholar by the name of Bonger, believed that theirs is a causal link between conflict and economic and social conditions. Existing institutions come under pressure and may be unable to control or integrate new forces, demands, and collective actors. Change is likely to be uneven and to create a sense of relative deprivation, injustice, and threat among the losers. A recent example is the pressure mounted on the government of Chad in ensuring there is proper accounting procedures in the management of the country’s oil revenue. The activities of these organizations have been both positive and negative. From the positive side, they have been able to curb some of the excesses of governments in many developing countries, (African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes [ACCORD], 2008). Traditional human rights theories seldom took conflict theories to exam the conflicts between different rights and social movements. Under conditions that human rights are violated or a particular class in society feels their rights are not fully being exercised, conflict can be seen as a normal phenomenon. In 1997, the Taiwan feminism movement was separated by the sex worker’s issue. The major feminism groups denied sex could be seen as a right to work, but more tended to see it as a product by exploitation. To those support sex workers, they addressed sex workers have their rights to use sex or body as a work, and even further claimed that sex work is a radical sexual movement, (Ho, 2005). In such a situation, conflict is normal and beneficial as it acts as a podium of debate and its advantages of fostering an awareness of problems that exist and leading to better solutions is clearly seen. Above all the norms of society are readjusted. The more diversified and heterogeneous a society becomes, the greater the probability of more frequent conflict as subgroups who live by their own rules break the rules of other groups (Best, 2004). Conflict is a natural part of relationships. While relationships are sometimes calm and predictable, at other times events and circumstances generate tensions and instability. This phrase suggests that life gives us conflict, and that conflict is a natural part of human experience and relationships. Rather than viewing conflict as a threat, the transformative view sees conflict as a valuable opportunity to grow and increases our understanding of others and ourselves. Conflict helps us stop, assess and take notice. South Africa for example has a multiracial and multiethnic population. â€Å"Blacks constitute 77% of which the Zulu make up 22. % of the overall population,† (ACCORD, 2008, 15). The liberation struggle during the years of white minority rule cemented the Blacks, Asians and coloured people together. The unity forged by the blacks, Asians and colored people under white oppression collapsed when state power was to be competed for by all groups. The conflict of power here is seen as a means of uniting these different groups for the purpose of achieving a common goal, (ibid, 2008). Furthermore, conflicts with some groups bring about fraternity. It maintains and revises the balance of power among antagonists. When conflict breaks out, the former accommodation between the parties involved is rejected, the relative war of each group is tested and a new equilibrium can be established. Such arrangements in the balance of power thwart any one group from being dominant over other groups. As long as their power is continually challenged, members of the ruling group will be blocked from exclusive control of the social system. In most African states where the fight for independence was intense, most ethnic groups worked together to secure independence. Conflict continually creates new norms and modifies old ones. It bringing about situations to which the usual rules do not apply, conflict stimulates the establishment of appropriate guides to action. Moreover, the threat of attack, preparation for war or any hostile challenge from outside can strengthen a group’s solidarity and cohesiveness (Galtung, 1990). Conflict within and between social groups disturbs habits of thought and behavior and creates an atmosphere for innovation and creativity. This is another positive attribute of conflict that can be regarded as normal is that it facilitates the ovement or flow of one generation to the next. This is achieved in that society evolves over a period of time as values and norms of people continue to class and oppose each other within society. The changes may be positive hence benefiting humanity at large though in most cases these benefits are unanticipated and long-term. Finally, Weber contended that it will always exist, regardless of the social, economic, or political nature of society, and that it was functional because of its role in bringing disputes into the open for public debate. Even though individuals and groups enjoying great wealth, prestige, and power have the resources necessary to impose their values on others with fewer resources, Weber viewed the various class divisions in society as normal, inevitable, and acceptable (Curran & Renzetti, 2001). However, it must be noted that if conflict is not managed, it pauses a great danger to humanity. If conflict is to be accepted as a normal phenomenon, it has to be managed or resolved quicker and more efficiently than letting it fester. For Mial and Wood House (2001), by conflict resolution, it is expected that the deep rooted sources of conflict are addressed and resolved, and behavior is no longer violent, nor are attitude hostile any longer, while structure of the conflict has been changed. Desmond Tutu, the Anglican Archbishop emeritus of South Africa, is reported to have commented from within the situation of social revolution in South Africa that â€Å"without reconciliation, there is no future† (Wustenberg, 1998, 5). It is therefore now right to conclude that peace is a normal phenomenon but not when it is poorly managed or resolved. Issues such as the rearrangement of the balance of power, readjustment of group norms and the maintenance of group unity have been examined as the product of conflict even though conflict can be destructive in nature. Contemporary understanding of conflict represents a belief that conflict is not only a positive force of one group, but it is also absolutely essential for achievement of the efficiency of the group.

Film Journal about the movie called Thelma & Louise Review

Film Journal about the called Thelma & Louise - Movie Review Example This causes the two women to go on the run as they are chased by the police. In the process, Thelma grows into her own strength and independence as a woman while Louise learns to depend a little on someone else. However, in the end, they chose to drive into the Grand Canyon instead of trying to shoot their way through a police blockade or be arrested. An important scene that shows the women’s growth occurs when the two women are pulled over in the New Mexico desert by a single police officer who asks Louise to get in his car. The scene begins with Louise firmly in charge as the driver of the car and the two women are driving along in relative silence. All that is heard is the sound of the car engine. Then a police siren slowly starts to crescendo until Louise looks in the rearview mirror and notices they are being pulled over. Although both women panic a bit, Louise makes the reasoned decision to go ahead and pull over and follows the officer’s instructions on the chance that he is unaware that they are wanted criminals. Throughout the scene, Louise is seen to move from a strongly assertive role to one in which she is completely passive and finally to becoming a partner in Thelma’s plan. In contrast, Thelma starts the scene is her common passive position as passenger in Louise’s car. When they are pulled over, she is still in passive mode, attempting to flirt with the police officer as a means of perhaps buttering him up or getting out of the ticket. Thelma goes out of frame as Louise and the officer go back to his car, but then appears relatively quickly in his driver’s side window with a gun, taking a suddenly very active role in the action. From this point forward in the scene, she takes an aggressive role, first ordering Louise around and taking decisive steps to secure their escape. When the two women jump back in

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF E-GOVERNMENT IN INDIA Essay

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF E-GOVERNMENT IN INDIA - Essay Example This makes it doubly responsive as well, but provides a healthy iv. Larger Urban area than rural area: Chandigarh, spread in an area of approx 115 Sq Kms, is a cosmopolitan with a mix of rural and urban areas, but having majority of urban area makes life simpler for planners (79 Sq. km Urban area and 36 Sq. km Rural area.), as basic infrastructure is available as per the urban services. Therefore any e-initiative can be started off without much additional infrastructural investments. v. Effective Power distribution network: Chandigarh has one of the best electricity distribution systems in India. Efforts are being made towards further rationalization of power tariff and energy reforms vi. Progressive IT location: Some of the industries that have already placed their footprints on Chandigarh are; VLSI Design, Software Development, ITES, BPO etc. During the year 2003-04 software exports from Chandigarh amounted to more than US $ 2.3 billion, which indicates towards its potential as an IT destination. There are about 3000 IT professionals working in and around the main parks viz. Chandigarh Technology Park, Quark City, and the SPIC Incubation Centre vii. Aware and Active Citizens: Literacy rate in Chandigarh is reasonably high. Furthermore, the Chandigarh Administration also targets that by the end of 2006; at least 30% of all school graduates would have the requisite soft-skills to be recruited into the ITES industry. Citizens have responded in good measure towards this end by offering requisite support by sending their wards for IT training. viii. Right IT infrastructure: Infrastructure is the key to any development in the society. IT initiative is no exception. The city is home to national level institutes such as Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO), Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), and PG Institute of Medical Education & Research. The NASSCOM KPMG Study 2004 cites Chandigarhs strengths as high

Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hazard and Vulnerability Analysis - Essay Example Hazard vulnerability analysis is defines as the identification of potential disasters or emergency situations and the effects, both direct and indirect, that these situations may have on operations (Cutter 9). The main purpose of hazard and vulnerability analysis is to help the affected community to make the right choices that will help them address the vulnerabilities that they face. The analysis also helps in mitigating hazards and in the preparation for response and recovery efforts. Every emergency program should have a mechanism for hazard and vulnerability analysis (Wisner, Blaike and Cannon 17). In order to make accurate predictions for future events, it is important that the analysts collect the relevant information from different sources. This information should be relevant to the current situation and it should help in the creation of mitigating measures. The kind of data that should be collected during analysis includes everything about the nature and the causes of previous events. The frequency and/or intensity of previous disasters, as well as their magnitude should be included in the analysis. Information about the effects that the disaster may have had in a given area is also important for the purpose of analysis of the current situation (Turner and Kasperson 37). When the data has been collected, it is easy for the analyst’s to map the location of the potential and past hazards. This way, it easy to get information through the use of satellite images, aerial photography and remote sensing technology (Cutter 52). Predictive information can be derived from hydrology, seismology, meteorology and volcanology data. This kind of information can be found in most government agencies and some private institutions (Wisner, Blaike and Cannon, 47). Other data can be found in core databases to help in decision making (Turner and Kasperson 42). The business sector is most likely to be affected by earthquakes. This is because

Final exam - international relation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Final exam - international relation - Essay Example However, environmental decay has overtaken the world in the recent years, owing to the poor interaction of the herein stated forces. The discussion in this paper investigates the difference between floating and fixed exchange rates and the impacts of each style to a particular country in terms of benefits. The study of the guns vs. butter argument and what is meant by a peace dividend in International Relations is found crucial at this juncture to enhance the understanding of international relations. An overview of what sustainable development will also be provided in addition to relevance of three warning signs of environmental decay that has international consequences. What is the difference between floating and fixed exchange rates? How might each style benefit a particular country? Provide examples The value for money for utilization in distinct countries is determined by the exchange rates. The exchange rates entail the utilization of interconversional figures from a value in on e country, for ease of use in another country. Two main types of exchange rates are in existence, whose determinants are the usage terms and regulations. The currency amount that is set in advance prior to its reception is often identified as the fixed rate. The exchange rate termed as floating currency is often dependent on the exchange time and season, hence not fixed. The fixed currency exchange rate is also termed as pegged from in that the government via the central bank sets a particular value and formalizes it for official use, such that no alterations can be made in regards to that currency. On the other hand, the floating rate is also referred to as a self-correcting rate, since its value is dependent on the supply and demand ratios in the private market. Secondly, a fixed exchange rate creates room for certainty and predictability for those people involved in trade and other business activities. The floating rate has no room for certainty or predictability since the market forces often determine the value for exchange at a particular time or season. The sustainability aspect is also observed when a country has managed to fix its rates of exchange while the aspect is not really considered in the floating exchange since markets demands and supplies can shift at any time depending on the availability of goods and customers. The fixed exchange rates can only be regulated by a an authoritative body for instance the government via the utilization of the central bank while the floating rate can also be determined by the international corporations depending on movement of international products in and out of the market (Heakal, 2011). The fixed currency exchange rate is quite beneficial in a particular country due to its sustainable aspect. The fact that it is never affected by the market dynamics is vey crucial in the growth of the economy since it is until the other parties change their currencies for concession with the available currency. The business en tities in the country are at all times assured of certainty in the exchange rates, hence a factor for the boost of their production morale. Stability of currency is also a crucial component that is promoted via the fixed rates since no fluctuations are expected to occur at any time. The floating rate on the other hand is beneficial in its inclusion of compensation dynamics. The fact that demand and

Do media images of family or marriage help us or hurt us Essay - 1

Do media images of family or marriage help us or hurt us - Essay Example The first point that supports my view is that what media most of the time provides is an altruistic picture that rarely comes true. For instance, it is rather impossible for most males to become the so-called Mills and Boon hero with a highly masculine body, high cheekbones that indicate intelligence, and a repertoire full of romance. In addition, he is supposed to possess unlimited wealth and influence, that is, the minimum standard set is a James Bond. In the case of female, the picture the media provides is that of an alluring goddess who always smells nothing less than rose, and who is always eager to have her ‘right man’ holding her hand and leading her gently to the most expensive restaurant. As people are fed this picture, they get unsatisfied in their marital life when they come to realize that their partners fall short of their expectations. Thus, for many ladies, a husband who does not look like Tom Cruise is a matter of inferiority complex that they have to su ffer due to bad luck. Thus, evidently, the beautiful picture provided by media on family and marriage is most of the time far from reality and hence highly destructive when taken to heart. Now, a look into the works of various scholars will confirm this opinion as truth. For example, studies have proved that heavy viewers of television tend to perceive being single as negative and believe that families in real life show support and concern for each other. However, the ones who are addicted to soap operas believe that the number of illegitimate children, divorces, extra marital affairs and happy marriages are all higher in number than they really are. Yet another point that goes strongly against media is that it promotes the stereotyping of male and female roles in families and marriages. For example, the general notion that media is interested in promoting is that females are the happiest at home raising

Why might a healthy psychological contract amonst its employees be Assignment

Why might a healthy psychological contract amonst its employees be important to an organisation's effectiveness - Assignment Example This concept has been widely discussed by the scholars lately and showed to have certain impact on the overall performance of an organization. However, in order to determine why a healthy psychological contract among the employees is important to an organization’s effectiveness, it is necessary to build a clear definition of what a psychological contract is first of all. Defining psychological contract Since the concept is relatively new, the scientists are still arguing on what exactly psychological contract is. The classical definitions state that psychological contract is either â€Å"the perceptions of both parties to the employment relationship, organization and individual, of the reciprocal promises and obligations implied in that relationship† (Guest and Conway, 2002, p.1) or â€Å"an individual’s belief in mutual obligations between that person and another party such as an employer† (Rousseau and Tijoriwala, 1998, p.679). A quite similar definition have Hall and Moss (1998), who claim that psychological contract consists of the mutual expectations in the employer-employee relationship. So, in general it seems that the concept of psychological contract is more related to employees, because organizations, as employers, cannot have any beliefs or expectations. People are the ones who have them. Therefore, in short it can be said that a psychological contract might be described as an unwritten agreement between upper management and employees, that outlines how both parties see and understand their cooperation. Importance of healthy psychological contract to organization’s effectiveness It is rather well-know that a happy and satisfied employee is a good worker. Consequently, good employees that show loyalty and devotion to their companies must have all their needs met and, thus, be happy. This is, according to Cyril van de Ven (2004), one of the major goals of psychological contract. It reduces employees’ insecurity regarding their jobs. Since it is physically impossible to state all the aspect of employee-employer relationships in a written contract, the psychological contract helps by means of filling the gaps of the official one. The psychological contact, consequently, helps employees to evaluate and measure their obligations to the company and those of the organization to employees. So, if an employee believes that both parties fulfill their obligations, he or she is likely to show positive behaviors that contribute to the quality of his or her job performance. Another important function of psychological contract is giving employees the feeling that they have some power over events within the organization (Anderson and Schalk, 1998). This means that with the help of psychological contract employees percept the interrelation of roles and events as something they have agreed upon and have control over. As a result, even their self-esteem gets higher. So, if the psychological contract does n ot get broken, the employee will feel secure in the job. In addition, he or she will be performing well, thus fulfilling own obligations on the contract, in response to the company’s fulfilling its obligations on the psychological contract. Consequently, when employees perform their jobs well the organization in general becomes more effective. A Healthy psychological contract ensures that employees are satisfied with their jobs, loyal to the organization, have adequate work-family balance, and feel fair treatment form the side of the employer. As a result the company gets reduced employee turnover and absenteeism, as well as improved individual and organizational performance. Employers’ influence on the state of the psychological contract Employers, in their turn, should take all the possible measures