Industrial Ecology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Industrial Ecology - Essay Example This paper highlights few important issues on industrial pollution and also provides sustainable solution through industrial ecology. (# of words = 115) 5. Developing economies with low levels of industrialization are gradually shifting their dependence from agriculture to the industrial sector, while developed economies, with a high level of industrialization, are shifting from the industrial to the service sector. 6. The production of industrial chemicals has been shifting to the developing world (mostly South Asian countries). In 1990, this industry’s annual rate of growth was 5.6 per cent in the developing countries, compared with a mere 1 per cent in the developed world (State of the Environment - South Asia 2001, 71-86). 7. Water supplies are falling while the demand is dramatically growing at an unsustainable rate. Over the next 20 years, the average supply of water worldwide per person is expected to drop by a third. 9. One litre of wastewater pollutes about eight litres of freshwater. An estimated 12,000 km ³ of polluted water worldwide, which is more than the total amount contained in the world’s ten largest river basins at any given moment. Therefore, if pollution keeps pace with population growth, the world will effectively lose 18,000 km ³ of freshwater by 2050 – almost nine times the total amount countries currently use each year for irrigation, which is by far the largest consumer of the resource. 10. Asian rivers are the most polluted in the world, with three times as many bacteria from human waste as the global average. These rivers have 20 times more lead than those of industrialized countries. 11. Food industry: Producing a fast food lunch--hamburger, french fries, and a soft drink--uses 1500 gallons of water. This includes the water needed to raise the potatoes, the grain for the bun and the grain needed to feed the cattle, and the production of the soda (WWF

Developing New Design Strategies Essay Example for Free

Developing New Design Strategies Essay The ignorance of environmental values/impacts that are ranged from local to regional scales in the design and construction processes, burdens the inconveniences of the â€Å"contemporary† living milieus. Locality bears particular values in terms of natural, built and cultural context that constantly shape the local identity throughout the ages. Exclusion of this set of values in the development of the built environment, in conjunction with the consumer wise approaches of global trends, is ended up with an unsatisfactory living milieu. In this respect, the lack of environmental and socio-cultural aspects especially in the building design is the vital issue behind the questioning of existing understanding towards the context and its products. As it is faced with the challenging global circumstances related to the destructive effects of human activity on the nature, the need for the perspective of vernacular cultures and traditions, which are developed within local natural context, becomes essential. Quick Outlook to the Residential Developments of Cyprus Cyprus vernacular kept its consistent evolution and reserved its distinctive identity in the Mediterranean basin in spite of political fluctuations in its history (Hill). The interaction between migration, political change and vernacular distress is a process, which influences the culture of the Island all through the history. The vernacular architecture of Cyprus has always been influenced by the immigrant communities in time. These communities, who moved to or conquered Cyprus in different periods, were entirely foreign and unfamiliar to this new context. Consequently, the prevailing vernacular architecture started to lose its peculiar values and distinct architectural characteristics according to this reciprocal interaction. Although, the vernacular house is constantly developed by the considerable alterations of its mass in the form of limited additions and subtractions for responding the changing lifestyle and immigrants’ demands in time, the general characteristics of the rural house form is sustained (Numan and Dincyurek, I.112). Especially, after 1950’s, the sustainability of the vernacular architectural identity is only limited to the conscious or unconscious conservation of the existing vernacular settings instead of the continuation of the vernacular building activities. The impacts of â€Å"Annan Plan and its Referenda for Re-unification of the Island†, which was proposed and organized by General Secretary of UN in 2004, extremely influenced important features, including political, socio-cultural, and economical parameters, of the Island. Undoubtedly, the vernacular architecture of the Island implicitly affected from this important development (Dincyurek and Turker, 3385). Although, the reunification was not realized because of its rejection in the referenda by the majority in the Southern (Greek) region, the encouraging (opportunistic) atmosphere of this reunification and optimistic projection for the common future are kept before and after the referenda. This positive atmosphere accelerated the growth of the construction activities especially in the Northern (Turkish) region in terms of summer houses or second houses for the local people and foreign investors. After â€Å"Annan Plan†, the sudden increase in the housing developments particularly in Northern part is noticeable. Despite of this boom in construction activity, the format of this development cannot be considered as the improvement in the field because of the repetition of the ready-made design schemes, which are not related with the contextual realities. Besides the other reasons, the search for economically cheaper global trends in architecture (Turker and Pulhan), which can bring the most of the benefits for the recently established construction firms, can be stated as amongst the reasons to the construction activities, which are deviating from the quality and characteristics of the vernacular architecture. In brief, the recent housing developments have no relation at all with the vernacular architecture of Cyprus. The Search in Understanding the Association between Cyprus Vernacular and Current Architectural Developments Many scholars stated the different associations between vernacular building traditions and current architectural developments (Asquith and Vellinga; Oliver; Warren, Worthington and Taylor). Rapoport attracts the attention of the researchers to four main points on the issue: mainly, the ignorance of the vernacular context; the acceptance of vernacular but no attempt for getting useful lessons; the copy of the vern acular settings; and the use to get lessons and applied to the new design (55). According to our investigations, similar series of attitudes can be observed in the interpretation of vernacular architecture of Cyprus. These are; †¢ To ignore the presence of vernacular totally †¢ To imitate the whole form of vernacular †¢ To establish an association with the vernacular †¢ To interpret and to get valuable lessons from the vernacular building heritage. In general, the vernacular architecture is a course that is generated by local values and needs, environmental necessities and availabilities, and continuously changing impacts. It is an evolving process which is shaped by trial and errors. It is also influenced by the local and regional constraints. This process does not deny the accumulation of the building tradition of the past. Furthermore, it may adapt itself to the changing parameters of the context. The conscious and unconscious responses are quite influential on this kind of evolution. There is no place for direct interference to this proce ss. These general characteristics of vernacular architecture can be observed in Cyprus vernacular as well until 1950’s. The process of Cyprus vernacular architecture suddenly stopped by the rapid introduction of the new â€Å"modern lifestyle† and its requirements to the Island, especially in the second quarter of the 20th century (qtd. in Schaar, et al.). The vernacular building tradition could not adjust itself to these significant changes in the way of life and building activities. After this interference to the vernacular building process, different approaches and attitudes can be noticed in the built environment of Cyprus, which are mentioned in the above lines. a. To ignore the presence of vernacular totally The penetration of almost similar houses, which are the repetitive products of the modern trends, into the vernacular environments is extensively developed in the Island. The realm of high-style or grandiose architecture and its necessities are familiarized in bot h urban and rural areas of Cyprus (Figure 1a). In some examples, the harmonization of the stylistic understanding of modern architecture and the local needs is developed (Figure 1b). On one hand, these limited examples are providing correct answers to the response of the contextual needs by considering modern lifestyle and technological advancement. On the other hand, the majority of the recently built architectural examples exhibits the repetition of the unsatisfactory and insufficient architectural, structural and constructional solutions, which do not correspond with the realities of modern lifestyle, new building materials, techniques and technologies (Figure 1c). b. To imitate the whole form of vernacular In the new building design, the approach of copying or imitating the whole form of vernacular houses is rarely encountered in Cyprus. However particularly in the rural areas of Cyprus, only a negligible number of examples, which are totally copied or imitated from vernacular house by the traditional builders has seen. The rarity in this kind of examples is due to the adaptation of the new modern lifestyles by the natives and also the formal unfamiliarity of the immigrants of the Island. On the other hand, the exceptional examples of the imitation of existing forms cannot verify the efficiently continuation of the vernacular building tradition. a. Grandiose attitude of domestic architecture b. Synthesis of modernist lines with local realms c. Unfamiliar approach to the context Figure 1. Different design attempts in modern residential architecture of Cyprus c. To establish an association with the vernacular The design attitude of conscious or unconscious establishment of association with the vernacular in the new design is extensively practiced in the recent building activities of the Island. However, it is not an attempt to completely copy the existing form. Without understanding the vernacular building tradition, the examples of this approach show signs of either too romantic or superficial attempt of an architect. Instead of identifying all aspects, which generate the vernacular building tradition, only few design parameters, or considerations, or architectural elements of vernacular building are particularly emphasized in this approach. In general, the architectural elements or spatial formations are repetitively used in the recent housing developments without considering their genuine reasons and usages in the vernacular building tradition. According to the varying emphasis of establishing an association with the vernacular, different concepts and attempts are noticed. c.1. Making association with the vernacular through the senses In some examples, the design is mainly based on the reference to the memories of the past spatial experiences. In other examples, it is also possible to establish an association with vernacular either by emphasizing the sense of place/building or by the repeating of the shared images of vernacular in the new design. One of the examples is extremely remarkable. The architect (who he is also the owner) achieved an association with the vernacular in his new house by recalling the past experiences based on vernacular forms, shapes, and space. This example is not indicating a particular house type of Cyprus vernacular. With a romantic/passionate approach, the formations of space are based on the possible resemblances of his past spatial experiences, whereas he is forced to leave his own house in his childhood because of the bi-communal conflicts. However, the reconstruction of a house form, which is existing in the memories, in another place actually does not meet the realms of new context but only fulfilling the sense of identity and belonging. Instead of using earth as available local building material, and adobe as locally accepted construction system, the architect preferred to use stone as material and bearing wall as structural system for achieving the rebirth of his dreams in an existing vernacular house. Therefore, the aim for â€Å"the sense of belonging† is experienced. (Figure 2) c.2. Making association with the vernacular through the building materials and construction techniques Besides, the formal, visual and textural peculiarities of the traditional building material and construction techniques, which help to constitute a vernacular image in the new projects, they are still preferred in some of recently built houses because of their environmental, especially climatic performances. The stone wall construction, where the local material is available, is widely used with the purpose of achieving micro climate in the interior spaces. Figure 2. The house example which was developed based on recalls of past spatial experiences To create an accentuation in the similar pattern is another reason for the usage of traditional building material and methods in the recently developed areas (Figure 3). Stone as a construction material is selected and applied especially in some parts of the typical reinforced concrete frame buildings. Sometimes, it is possible to observe the re-use of old building materials, or existing structural/architectural members in the new constructions. This harmful attitude of professionals accelerates the destruction of vernacular houses and settings in sake of gaining unethical profits. Figure 3. Traditional materials were used in this example to make accentuation in the context c.3. Making association with the vernacular through the use of building elements The building elements, which form the essential components of vernacular architecture, are commonly used in the new buildings. The formation of significant building elements of vernacular such as arch, arcade, inner or outer hall, is realized in the recent building developments by using either traditional or contemporary building materials and its techniques. However, in these examples, where they convey particular building elements of the vernacular form, it is possible to notice the repetition of common mistakes in terms of environmental, architectural, structural or functional aspects. †¢ Position and orientation Position and orientation decisions of the house and its components, are important design concerns in the vernacular architecture of Cyprus.

An Examination of Rubyfruit Jungle and Her Critics Essay -- Rubyfruit

An Examination of Rubyfruit Jungle and Her Critics  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Rita Mae Brown's first novel, Rubyfruit Jungle made waves when it was first released in 1973. Its influence has not gone away over the years and is in its seventh printing. While mainstream critics failed to acknowledge Rubyfruit Jungle in their papers, magazines and discussions on contemporary literature, there are plenty of non-mainstream voices to fill the void. While these lesser-known sources are not always credible, and certainly not always accurate they have created a word-of-mouth reputation of the novel and have facilitated its continuous success. The problem in researching such a novel is that there is very little criticism. One cannot rely on book reviews from unknown magazines and personal websites in order to properly examine secondary sources. Knowing that there is virtually no critical analysis on Rubyfruit Jungle changes the questions that the novel itself raises, and forces one to examine why this novel was not worthy of discussion. There could be several answers to this mystery, the most obvious being that it was written by and is about a lesbian. America has never fully allowed people to "come out" without reprimand and up until the time of this novel, the only fiction that focused on lesbians emphasized their shame and grief over their sexual identity. The idea that Rubyfruit Jungle has not been looked at in academic circles simply because it is a novel about a lesbian who feels no shame or guilt about her sexuality is only part of the problem, it is not the only reason why Brown's first novel is not discussed. While Molly Bolt is a lesbian and proud of it, other lesbians are not so proud of her and what she stands for. Rubyfruit ... ...unity that is still often ignored in literature. Could it be that one must wait until the next millennium in order to find voices in literature that accurately represent the society in which it is portraying?    Works Cited    Brown, Rita Mae. "Book Reviews." Rita Mae Brown Homepage. 2 December   1999.<http://www.ritamaebrown.com/books/rmb.html>.    Brown, Rita Mae. Rubyfruit Jungle. New York: Daughters Publishing Company,   1973.    Fishbein, Leslie. "Rubyfruit Jungle: Lesbianism, Feminism, and Narcissism." International Journal of Women's Studies 7.2 (1984): 155-159.    Innes, Charlotte. "Rita Meter Maid." Los Angeles Times 30 Nov. 1997: 3.    Ward, Carol. Rita Mae Brown. New York: Twain Publishers, 1993.    Webb, Marilyn. "Daughters, Inc.: A Publishing House is Born." Ms. Magazine   2:6 (1974): 37.   

Communication and crisis Essay

The paper focuses on essential communication in the community crisis situation described in the provided scenario. The paper includes the following: The individuals or groups that will be communicating inside and outside the organization during this crisis situation Potential advantages and challenges associated with communicating within the organization and with the public and private sectors during this crisis situation Differences in communication processes used in crisis situations, including what you learned from the situations in the scenario and how you might incorporate that knowledge to improve health care communication strategies Appropriate technology, such as social media, affecting communication during the crisis situation and how these technologies may be used to enhance communication How technology might be used differently now than it was during the crisis situations described in the scenario Media opportunities during this management crisis The paper cites a minimum of three sources, one from the University Library and another from the course textbooks or Electronic Reserve Readings, to support the paper’s position. Additional Comments: The paper—including the title page, reference page, tables, and any appendices—is consistent with APA guidelines as directed by the facilitator. The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space. Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct.

Diversity Audit

DIVERSITY AUDIT Diversity Audit at Starbucks Starbucks Corporation is a multinational company based in United States. It was founded in the year 1971 and is headquartered at Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is engaged in the business of selling coffee, coffee beans and different types of bakery products all over the world. The company also has a division known as Starbucks Entertainment division which is utilized for marketing films, music and books (Yahoo Finance, 2012). The coffeehouses owned by Starbucks are known for its relaxing atmosphere and the stores are mostly located in places where there is high traffic.This study entails about the diversity audit that have been conducted for Starbucks. The findings of such diversity audit, its assessment and subsequent recommendations have been presented in this study. Findings Diversity audit was conducted for Starbucks through an online survey of the company’s website and other information required for the purpose of conducting th e audit was mostly available over the internet. In addition, some of the employees present in few Starbucks stores were also interviewed to collect relevant facts regarding the cultural diversity prevalent in the company.The key findings of the diversity audit conducted at Starbucks are given below: Starbucks operates its business and stores in different parts of the world. Hence it is obvious that people from different cultures of the world are a part of Starbucks. The people connected with Starbucks can be any of its stakeholders, including its employees, suppliers, etc. As indicated in its website, it can be found that cultural diversity is given high priority and due respect in the company (Starbucks, 2012a). Apart from selling coffees, Starbucks is also engaged in the business of building up new human connections and relationships.Celebration of cultures and community involvement are also part of Starbucks activities. At Starbucks, diversity is defined as the composition of thr ee different aspects. They are: a) Inclusion, b) Accessibility, and c) Equity. Inclusion means human relationships and their engagements in the company. Accessibility refers to removal of barriers for all kinds of people associated with the company and the ease with which people can perform their activities within the organization. Equity represents equal treatment for all with justice and fairness being the two important virtues associated with the company.The strategy of diversity being followed by the company is considered to focus on four main areas. They are: partners, suppliers, customers and communities. The employees of the company are termed as partners here. The company management is involved in the activity of engaging people belonging to different regions and following varied cultures. The people working at Starbucks come from diverse family backgrounds. Starbucks organizes different activities meant for the development of its partners or employees by educating them and engaging them in different kinds of activities.Starbucks is also committed towards giving high levels of satisfaction to its customers by catering to their unique needs. Starbucks is prompt in its service and values the preferences and tastes of its customers. Starbucks tries to build relationships with its customers through adoption of different cultures as required for the purpose. Starbucks also arranges different community development programs as well to show their concern for the community. Starbucks also creates strategic partnerships by investing in companies in the local neighborhood.It also provides different kinds of opportunities for economic development which helps to build a strong relationship between the company and the communities in which it is operating its business. As regards the suppliers of Starbucks, it conducts a program termed as supplier diversity program. This program is meant for increasing the presence of minority groups and women as suppliers of the com pany (Starbucks, 2012a). The diversity effort of the company is mainly directed through a strategic plan formulated by them which is known as Global Diversity Strategy Plan.According to New York Times, nearly 24% of the corporate officers working at Starbucks comprises of women. Women represent around 31% of the population in Starbucks, and 13% of them are people of color. The team members of the Global Diversity team are engaged in different activities in Starbucks. Employees of Starbucks working in different parts of the world and their working environment are assessed and evaluated by the global strategy team of Starbucks. The company also tracks the progress made in the field of diversifying vendors and suppliers of the company. All these are done through an accountability scorecard prepared for he purpose by the global diversity team (The New York Times, n. d. ). The diversity program run by Starbucks named as Starbucks Supplier Diversity Program is meant for encouraging divers ity amongst all the suppliers of the company. The company has set criteria for the suppliers who want to be a part of this program. The two criteria being, a) More than 50% should be owned by either minority people or women, and b) It should be certified by any of the government public agencies like National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), etc (Starbucks, 2012b).Results of Audit The interview conducted with the Human Resource Manager of Starbucks suggests that diversity is encouraged at all levels and departments of the organization. The women and minorities are given preferences. There are certain criteria laid down by the company regarding recruitment of minorities and women as a fixed percentage of the total employees recruited by the company. The findings from the interviews carried out in Starbucks store includes the employees comprising of different cultures, working together and having a good relationship with each other.It has been observed that the employees of Starbucks love to share their cultural information amongst each other and want to know more about each other. People from different communities come together at Starbucks and they are encouraged to work as a team. The employees seem to be happy while working in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Starbucks. Customers are always greeted with smile as they enter the Starbucks stores. Employees get rewarded for their good performance in the company. Everyone seems to encourage diversity in the company and have due respect for each other.People are found to be highly motivated to work for the company and wish to have a long term relationship with the organization. Most of them are found to be loyal to the company. Employee turnover is low and everyone likes to be a part of the Starbucks brand. People are found to be enjoying their work in Starbucks and do not feel any kind of compulsion being imposed on them. Assessment All the f indings mentioned above suggest that diversity is encouraged in Starbucks in almost all aspects of its business operations.Special initiatives are taken by the higher officials of the company to bring about cultural diversity in their organization. The company feels diversity to be the key towards being successful in their strategy of expansion of its business in different parts of the world. The corporate culture at Starbucks is multicultural in nature. The morale of the employees working in the company seems to be high and people coming from various cultural backgrounds are found to work together quite efficiently in the company.The working environment within the organization is also good. Everyone is found to be happy doing their work in the Starbucks stores. The customers visiting the stores are also found to be having a relaxed time and satisfied with the services offered by the company. The company has made a huge progress in the field of imparting cultural diversity in the co mpany through the implementation of various types of initiatives and programs. Hence the managers of Starbucks have been successfully dealing with the diversity issues related to the company.However, it has been argued sometimes that the steps taken by Starbucks regarding cultural diversity was more of a reactive type than being a proactive one (Grodan, 2008). It implies that Starbucks developed all these diversity initiatives only after they found it necessary for running a sustainable business in different parts of the world. Recommendations As evident from the findings and assessment of the diversity audit conducted for Starbucks, it has been successful in implementing multicultural activities within the organization.It is recommended that the company should continue giving value to diversity at all levels of its operations. This would help the company to maintain its competitive advantage in the market. It would also help the company to expand its business successfully in other nations of the world where it does not have presence now. Diversity in the organization would ensure that all the employees working for the company are treated equally. Hence, it would bring about a healthy competition within the organization which would in turn result in increased fficiency of the employees. Apart from the employees, the company should also continue to encourage diversity for other stakeholders of the company like its suppliers and the customers. It would mean customers from different backgrounds and culture could be easily acquired by the company, thereby leading to increased revenues for the company as well. References Grodan, G. (2008). Issues Facing Starbucks and Bank of America. Retrieved from http://voices. yahoo. com/issues-facing-starbucks-bank-america-1901086. html. Starbucks. (2012a).Diversity at Starbucks. Retrieved from http://www. starbucks. com/about-us/company-information/diversity-at-starbucks. Starbucks. (2012b). Starbucks Supplier Diversity Progra m. Retrieved from http://www. starbucks. com/responsibility/diversity/suppliers. The New York Times. (no date). Leading with Diversity: Starbucks Coffee Company. Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/marketing/jobmarket/diversity/starbucks. html. Yahoo Finance. (2012). Starbucks Corporation (SBUX): Profile. Retrieved from http://in. finance. yahoo. com/q/pr? s=SBUX.

Unions and Management

Unions and Management Introduction Unions are formed to protect the rights of the members. Some organizations feel that unions are a stumbling block to their progress. In most cases conflicts arise between Trade unions and organization management. An analysis of the effect of unions on organizations shows that unions can be profitable or disadvantageous to an organization.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Unions and Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effects of Unions in Organizations Unions affect the management of an organization either positively or negatively. Unions determine the number of workers who are employed in an organization. This brings to a rise of the workers’ salaries and wages but reduces opportunities of employment. Unions also speak out for the employees so as to increase their pay and conversely reduce the profits of the company. Though they are advantageous their disadvantage is that they affect the e conomy negatively by causing an escalation of prices in consumer goods and services at the expense of providing higher earnings to the employees (Sherk, 2011). Role of Management in an Organization Good Management in an organization is vital for the achievement of its goals. It is the authority of any organization. Management is responsible for employing the workforce. Once they are employed, they should train them to be proficient so as to produce higher output from their work. Management should delegate duties to the employees and encourage them to do their best. They should ensure that all activities in the organization are legal and promote a healthy social environment (Mintzberg, 2009). The management should lead the organization. They should supervise and monitor all operations in every department. Management should handle every type of problem that may come up at the work place. Managers should be entrepreneurs who come up with projects and work them through successfully. The y should allocate resources appropriately so as to take care of the employees’ needs, materials and at the end make some profits. Managers should also be negotiators of their organization (Mintzberg, 2009). Role of Unions in Organizations â€Å"A trade union is an organization based on membership of employees in various trades, occupations and professions, whose major focus is the representation of its members at the workplace and in the wider society† Trade Unions team up with organizations management so as to maintain associations between them (TradeUnion, n. d). The fact that trade unions’ leaders have a huge back in the unions’ members, the leaders can equally have a huge influence in the politics. Trade union leaders use the back up they have in the union members to play a role in formulating labor policies. This way, they are able to access funds from the government to improve welfare of the members. Trade unions usually determine political decision s through their leaders who are professionals such as lawyers and engineers (TradeUnion, n. d.). Unions have an influence on the market. They determine the amount of finances to be used on employees so as to determine the prices of the goods and services provided by the organization. This makes the organizational goods to be competitive in the market. Trade unions work towards betterment of the employees (TradeUnion, n.d.).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Trade unions have a regulatory role in organizations. They regulate standards of working conditions to all members. They, therefore, protect workers by ensuring that they are not exploited by the employers. The effectiveness of a trade union determines its strength capacity in influencing an organization. Some unions share power with the organization to deal with â€Å"grievances, discipline, job evaluation, red undancy, work changes, safety and health and rights to negotiate terms and conditions† (TradeUnion, n.d., p. 1). Trade Unions are also important in providing training for organizations. Individual interests include provision of equal rights, how to prevent sexual insults, harassments and provision of medication for those with chronic illnesses (TradeUnion, n.d.). Unions encourage democracy. By providing good terms and conditions for the employees, they encourage their participation in the union. As they become more involved, they are able to get the best leaders for organizations. The workers are therefore a source of influence. Unions also enable employees to participate in decision making. This is in contrast to most of the past systems where employees who opposed any decisions or came up with new ideas were fired (TradeUnion, n.d.). Unions provide services to their members. These include, â€Å"housing, land lease schemes, transport and service stations, launder mats, cine mas, stores, insurance programmes and other schemes† (TradeUnion, n. d., p. 1). Unions also help workers to get pensions through financial firms. This money accumulates and makes profits over a long period of time. Other services include legal representation and medical services (TradeUnion, n.d.). Unions play a developmental role in organizations. They do this by developing the workforce. Members including youths, women and the elderly are given responsibilities which help them to develop leadership and professional skills. This brings their promotion from low levels to higher levels in management. This strategy promotes maximum utilization of potential and talent of employees (Mintzberg, 2009). Unions provide welfare services to the organization members. These include â€Å"employment of those with disabilities, family services such as baby crà ¨ches, child care centers, old people’s homes and play and recreation centers† (TradeUnion, n.d.). Maintaining Conduc ive Working Relationships An organization can maintain favorable working relationships by promoting effective communication in the organization and maintaining excellent connection with the union. Effective communication comes when employees are aware of the policies that exist in the organization. This means that employees require training. Employees should also understand their responsibility in case of any conflict at the workplace.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Unions and Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Managers should also maintain justice at all times. Whenever there is a dispute even in terms of finances they should handle them effectively. Communication becomes more effective if there is no any discrimination at the work place. It is also important to honor all the agreements made by the organization. Managers should also ensure that employees have first hand information concerning any develop mental changes taking place in their organization (Resource, 2011). The relationship between the organization and the union is very important in that when any dispute gets out of hand, it can be handed over to the union (Resource, 2011). Managers should have an action plan that should be a guide at the work place. Plans differ according to the nature of organizations. The action plan should evaluate the present activities and develop policies that increase the working conditions of the employees. By this, every employee is well informed of his/her duties or responsibilities. The plan should also focus on all people without discrimination including people with disabilities. The plan should also â€Å"address all barriers including physical, information, communication and attitudinal barriers† (Austrarian, n.d., p. 1). Role of Union in Management of Organizations Unions and management of organizations should emphasize on the significance of effective communication in the organi zation. They should come up with ways to support productivity and competitiveness of the organizations. This positively affects the organization managers by encouraging their participation. This can be at both national and enterprise levels. Unions should also ensure that they build trust in organizations. The Unions should focus on development of social capital at enterprise level (TradeUnion, n.d.). Unions should assist organizations to get contracts. They should also help the organization to create awareness to all employees in the organization by helping them know their rights. The unions should also represent organizations in various contracts. They can effectively deal with disciplining issues of the employees and eliminate issues of injustice at the work place. They also have a legal role to play for the organizations by ensuring that they are not subjected to any unfair judgment (TradeUnion, n.d.). Conclusion Depending on the strategies used by the organization it can yield positive or negative results. Management of the organization needs to know its stand and strike a balance on the influence by the union. Unions should also strive to be beneficial to the organizations that they serve. Communication is the key strategy to maintain conducive working relationships and environment. This is because Unions have a great influence on organizations.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Austrarian. (n.d.). Developing an Effective Action Plan. HREOC. Retrieved from: hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/action_plans/effective_plan/effective_plan.html Mintzberg, H. (2009). Ten Management Roles. SAYECONOMY. Retrieved from: sayeconomy.com/ten-management-roles-by-henry-mintzberg/ Resource. (2011). Strategic Human Resource. Strategic Human Resource. Retrieved from: strategic-human-resource.com/industrial-relations-adversarial-approach.html Sherk, J. (2011). What Unions Do; How Labor Unions Affect Jobs and the Economy. Heritage. Retrieved from: heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/what-unions-do-how-labor-unions-affect-jobs-and-the-economy TradeUnion. (n.d.). The Function and Role of Trade Union. Ilocarib. Retrieved from: ilocarib.org.tt/Promalco_tool/productivity-tools/manual09/m9_4.htm

The Plasma Membrane essays

The Plasma Membrane essays The plasma membrane consists of 40 percent of lipid molecules and 60 percent of proteins. It plays a very important role in living organisms, in which one of its main functions is to act as a barrier between the internal and the external environment of each cell. Not only that, but it also controls the chemical reactions of a cell. In 1935, Davson and Danielli suggested that 40 percent of the lipid molecules are arranged in a lipid bilayer. Each phospholipid molecule consists of a glycerol molecule linked to two long chain fatty acids and a phosphate group or phosphate head. The lipid bilayer forms due to the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic nature of the phospholipid. The polar head or phosphate group is hydrophilic or water loving and the two fatty acid tails are hydrophobic, or water hating. The bilayer is therefore arranged in order for the fatty acids to exclude as much water as possible their structure. With improvements in technology (improvements in electron microscopy), a more detailed structure of the cell plasma membrane was laid out. The two scientists, in 1972, by the name of Singer and Nicolson, suggested that the membrane is a fluid structure and is always moving. They put forward the idea of the fluid mosaic model of the membrane. This suggests that there is a lipid bilayer, however, apart from that there is a mosaic or an irregular distribution of different sized proteins that span the membrane as well. There are three different types of proteins that span the cell surface membrane. The first one is the extrinsic protein. This protein is situated only on one side of the membrane. The intrinsic proteins or channel proteins span the whole membrane, covering both the sides of it. The third protein is the Glycoprotein. This protein has a different structure compared to the i...

What Is a Valedictorian Defining High Schools Top Honor

What Is a Valedictorian Defining High School's Top Honor SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips High school academics can be very competitive for driven students who hope to earn the coveted title of valedictorian. But how exactly do high schools choose valedictorians? Does the title mean anything for college applications? In this article, I’ll give you the details on what it means to be a valedictorian, how valedictorians are chosen, and whether this is a critical factor in the college admissions process. What Is a Valedictorian in High School? If you are named valedictorian, it usually means that you have reached the highest level of academic achievement out of all the students in your class.At some schools, multiple students are named valedictorians.Valedictory honors are determined by GPA, which may be measured differently depending on your high school.I’ll go over more specifics about variations in policy in the next section. The high school valedictorian traditionally delivers a speech (the â€Å"valedictory† speech) at graduation.Fun fact: The term valedictorian comes from the Latinvale dicere meaning â€Å"to say farewell† since the valedictorian usually delivers the last speech at the ceremony. How Are High School Valedictorians Chosen? The valedictorian will almost always be the student in your class who has the highest GPA, but GPA can be measured on more than one scale (and sometimes schools have more than one valedictorian!).If your school uses weighted GPAs, meaning students in higher level classes can earn higher GPAs, the valedictorian is virtually guaranteed to be the student who has earned the highest grades in the most difficult classes.Weighted GPAs are typically measured on a 5-point scale, with a 5.0 being equivalent to an A in an Honors or AP class. Other schools use an unweighted GPA scale, meaning that course levels are not taken into account when calculating GPA.On an unweighted scale, GPAs only go up to a 4.0, which is equivalent to an A in any class regardless of level.In this case, the valedictorian could be a student who was in lower level classes but earned all A's. In recent years, some high schools have adopted the policy of naming multiple students valedictorians.Since college admissions are so competitive now, more and more students are pushing themselves to achieve high levels of academic success in high school.By naming multiple valedictorians, schools acknowledge the impressive achievements of severalstudents in a more equitable manner and reduce pressure and competition.Sometimes valedictory honors are given to all students who achieve straight A averages or to several students who have all earned the same top GPAs. In this case, there might not be an actual valedictory speech (unless all the valedictorians write a speech together and say it in unison, which would be really creepy, so I’m all for it).The policy of naming multiple valedictorians has faced criticism from those who argue that it simply points to rampant grade inflation and devalues the title of valedictorian. However, when GPAs are only separated by tiny fractions of points, it may make sense to recognize more than one student with this honor. There are also policy variations in which classes count towards the GPA that determines class ranking.Some schools might only include grades from courses in core subject areaswhile others may include both core classes and electives.You can check with your guidance counselor to see what your school’s policies are. Since the valedictorian is usually the studentranked #1 in each class, it’s not easy to predict what GPA you’ll need in order to earn the title. You may have heard about students who were valedictorians of past classes but earned a lower GPA than the student ranked fifth in your class.Some classes are more or less competitive than others! If you wanna be the top goat (which I think is what valedictorians should really be called), you may have to lock horns with other super driven students in your class. Relax nerds, there's no actual physical activity involved. What About Salutatorians? What Other Ranking-Based Honors Do High Schools Offer? Valedictorian isn't the only title that students can earn for academic achievements in high school. At most schools, the salutatorian is the student ranked second in the class after the valedictorian.Usually, the salutatorian will also give a speech at graduation.Salutatorians are slightly cooler than valedictorians. (Okay, I'm biased because I was salutatorian in high school, but let's face it, it's kind of true.) Some high schools will also offer Latin honors to students who achieve certain GPAs.You may have heard of this practice in the context of college academics.Students are given the titles of cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude as markers of their academic achievements.Different high schools will have different GPA thresholds for each honor.At a school with weighted GPAs, for example, students who earn GPAs above a 3.6 might be cum laude, students who earn GPAs above a 4.0 might be magna cum laude, and students who earn GPAs above a 4.4 might be summa cum laude. These honors are also sometimes given out based on class rank percentile. A school that organizes honorsthis way might decide that the top 5% of the class is considered summa cum laude, the top 10% is magna cum laude, and the top 25% is cum laude. If your high school doesn't have Latin honors, that’s not a big deal.It’s just another way of recognizing students with high GPAs who have worked hard but haven’t quite reached the level of valedictorian or salutatorian. The only Latin phrase that most of us know. Seize the carp. That's what it means, right? What Are the Benefits of Being Named Valedictorian? The title of valedictorian, as we have seen, can mean different things depending on your high school.It’s an impressive honor, but the title alone shouldn’t make much of an impact on your chances of college admission. If you're a valedictorian, you will have a very high GPA (and probably high test scores as well), and those qualifications will be the things that actually get you into selective colleges. When you first apply to college, you won't know yet whether you're valedictorian or not, and neither will the schools.You won't find out for sure until the spring when you've already received admissions decisions from colleges. Because the GPAs of valedictorians can vary from year to year, the title means far less than the grades that got you there.This is especially true in the context of the new trend of naming multiple valedictorians; the term is more watered down than it used to be. Even though it might not matter that much in college admissions, there are other benefits to being named valedictorian. You may be eligible for special scholarships at the colleges where you've been accepted because of your status as a valedictorian. This is common at public universities that hope to lure in high-achieving students with tuition deals. You'll also be recognized for all of your hard work and get to deliver a speech to your entire class.It’s a great opportunity to tell some hilarious jokes and/or send a meaningful message.I would recommend telling jokes because you’ll be remembered as the only non-boring part of graduation.If the thought of giving a speech makes you want to puke, then this might not be a plus, but it really is a good chance for you to be honest and share your reflections on the last four years. Deliver your valedictorian speech while decked out in full clown makeup. Give the people what they want. What Should You Do If You Want to Be Valedictorian? If you have your sights set on the title of high school valedictorian, you should be prepared to challenge yourself. Students who become valedictorians begin and end their high school careers in the toughest classes with the highest grades.For an overview of some of the skills and study habits you should adopt if you hope to be at the top of your class, take a look at my article onhow to get good grades in high school. Also, try to keep things in perspective. Don't sacrifice your mental health in the name of your goal - it's not worth it just for the recognition. Your goal should motivate you to stay engaged in your school work and challenge yourself, but it shouldn't make you break down in tears because you have to spend eight hours on homework every night. Only you know what your limits are and what you can handle. If you push your intellectual boundaries and maintain high grades, you will be accepted to some great colleges whether or not you end up becoming valedictorian. Exercise your brain, but give it some down time once in a while to keep it healthy and happy. Conclusion At most high schools, the valedictorian is the top student in the class as determined by GPA.Some schools use weighted GPAs while others use unweighted GPAs, and this may affect the type of student who ends up as valedictorian.Some schools even name multiple valedictorians to recognize exceptional academic achievements by more than one student.The valedictorian is traditionally asked to give a speech at graduation. You don’t have to be valedictorian or salutatorian of your high school to be accepted to a highly selective college!Since the GPA of the valedictorian at any given high school will vary from year to year, colleges don’t assume that everyone who ends up as a valedictorian should be admitted or that students who aren’t given the highest honors in their class should be denied.If you consistently work hard in your classes and earn high grades, you'll be rewarded in the college application process even if you're not the valedictorian. What's Next? Valedictorian may be the top honor, but your class rank still might be important even if you're not number one. Learn more about what a good class rank is in this article. Are you curious about where you stand with your GPA? Here's a step by step guide for how to calculate your cumulative GPA based on your high school grades so far. If your GPA is lower than you would like, read this guide to learn some strategies that will help you improve! Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Sales Planning and Operations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sales Planning and Operations - Assignment Example This report is an effort to signify the importance of personal selling in the promotional activities and how they can be used by the Hendrix brothers to foster their sales and service. Significance of Personal Selling in the Promotional Mix â€Å"Promotion is persuasive communication. Companies rely on promotion to inform people about their products and services. Companies also use promotional techniques to enhance their public image and reputation and persuade people that their products are valuable† (Glencoe, n.d., p.362). Non-profit organisations rely on the promotional activities to make the public educated about an issue or to advocate for the changes in a regulation or a policy. The objectives of the promotional activities can be articulated by the phrase AIDA. In the process, the company must attract the attention, build the interest and desire and finally the company must ask for action. Promotion is a significant element of the marketing mix. In the absence of communi cation, the customers may not be aware of the product and its prospective their requirements and desires. A number of different communication tools form a significant part of communication mix. The organisations must decide which tools are required to be used for the larger sales and in specific proportion. There are four significant components of promotion mix including advertising, sales promotion, personal selling and public relations. Promotional mix is an organisation’s total communication a program consisting of various blends of its components and the mix is used to achieve the company’s marketing goals and objectives. â€Å"Personal selling refers to the personal communication with one or more prospective buyers for the purpose of selling a product or service† (NOS, n.d., p.28). Personal selling is one of the most effective tools to communicate with the consumers. Personal selling involves interaction at the personal level and that is why the feedback is received immediately. The communication through personal selling is quite flexible. The sales personnel can adjust the communication according to the understanding of the customers. The personal selling is more persuasive. The selling personnel can convince the consumers about the utility of the product. The efficiency of the impressive salesmen can leave an impression on the potential buyers which in turn would increase the sales in the coming future. There are a number of other forms of promotional mix. Personal selling can offer considerable contribution in the other promotional mix tools. Advertising is an impersonal and paid communication form in order to endorse a physical product or service. The promotional tool can be in the print form as in the newspapers and magazines, in the audio form or in the audio visual form as on the television or cinema screen etc. Personal selling can be used to flaunt the utilities and advantages of the products to intensify the advertisements. Sales promotion refers to the use of short term incentives such as discounts, free gifts, demonstration, store display, free sample coupons etc to encourage the immediate purchase of a product or service. The personal sales team can offer these incentives to the customers to increase the sales and revenue. To a certain extent the significance of personal selling depends on the nature of the product. As a general rule, merchandises which are

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 12

Assignment Example Most members of the staff understand the linkage that exists between receiving knowledge in their different institutions and learning or working with collogues. However, areas where staffs’ attentions are seriously required are the same areas where students do not place much emphasis, since they work collectively to contribute to the general success of the institutions. However, most students have taken learning as an add-on to their educational career and in most cases do not work collectively as they busy competing against each other for their academic success. It is proven that the learning process can not be a success without certain factors being considered by professionals. In a professional learning community, society members must be in attendance. Both students and staff must gather and come at an amicable solution on the curriculum, instructional strategies, data, goals and the type of learning required to make the process a success. The professionals also are require d are required to direct their attention to the needs of the students involved so as to provide a common purposes for all the students in the school. Professional learning communities also require effective leadership to oversee the whole process. Capable hands of professionals are tasked with major roles of defining purposes for both staff and students in different schools and organizations. This promotes success as the students and staffs are provided with the needed support which is essential to the learning process and success of students. School heads are also tasked with the responsibility of identifying and setting a space for the professional learning community or faculty involved in the process. This allows members of the staff to gain insight from fellow staff members as there is sharing of teaching practices and artifacts needed in student learning. According to Gamble (2008), a professional learning community transforms professional development of both the teachers and a dministrators into goals. It provides a system which enables both parties to fully benefit from it as it advocates for theories and practices which are accordance with the learning and work environment. The community is data driven as both the teaching and administrating professionals are self motivated by the need to meet the different educational and work requirement for the students or employees. It also greatly depends on both parties accepting their responsibilities in accordance with the work structure existing within a society. Professional learning community incorporates the attitude of professional development amongst educators in schools. It provides both parties concerned with a goal that they work to attain. In addition, professional learning community offers teachers with all the relevant resources they need to become successfully in their teaching process to the students. They are motivated to become better and efficient at their work and this result positively as grad es and performance of the students in school and after school improves significantly. Teachers are provided with an opportunity of what to access for the students’ ideas, how to access and ways to conveying it to the students. Professional learning community also provides teachers with the trustworthiness needed in the current data-driven curriculum as they have their objectives and goals organized before presenting it to the

Report for Potential Investor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Report for Potential Investor - Assignment Example Financial Analysis The Company’s Financial Analysis is based on the last 5 year’s financial data as per London Stock Exchange Website (Source: Robert Wiseman Dairies Fundamentals). ... the raw milk and oil prices (Source: annual report 2011, pg 17, web version) For 2011, the Company has reported an operating margin of 4.1% (Source: annual report 2011, pg 11, web version) after adjusting for non recurring items like closure of Okehampton Dairy and Cupar Depot (Source: annual report 2011, pg 17, web version) Net Profit Margin : Calculated as the ratio of Net Profit or Profit after tax to Revenue NPM 2.96% 4.03% 0.78% 2.68% 3.99% The profit margin of the Company is quite volatile as seen from the 5 year data. The Company benefited from lower finance cost which declined from ?1.3m to ?1.0m (Annual Report 2011, Pg 17, Web Version) and lower effective tax rate, down to 20.9% from 27.3%(Annual Report 2011, Pg 17, Web Version) in 2011 but the gains on absolute basis were more than offset by reduction in operating profit. Return on Equity : Calculated as the ratio of Net Income to Shareholder’s equity RoE 16.73% 25.61% 4.89% 13.85% 17.28% Net Profit Margin 2.96% 4.03 % 0.78% 2.68% 3.99% Asset Turnover (Sales/Assets) 2.72x 2.69x 2.75x 2.46x 2.50x Financial Leverage (Asset/Equity) 2.08x 2.36x 2.28x 2.10x 1.73x The return on equity for a Company justifies the investment of shareholder’s funds in that firm. It should be higher than the cost of equity which implies the Company has been adding value to shareholders. A high RoE is desirable, it should be analyzed in its components based on Dupont’s formula (i.e ROE = Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * Financial Leverage) to assess impact of each of component on ROE. Based on this, volatility in net profit margin it seems has made ROE volatile with Company managed to improve its asset turnover (conversion of asset employed in sales) over

Business Communications Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Communications Risk Management - Essay Example The FTC investigators can take care of a single organization or even an entire industry and it is up to their disposal to decide which route they want to go. It is an organization that has a separate bureau for the consumer protection realms which has a mandate to protect the consumers when the talk goes out loud related with the unfair or deceptive acts and practices found in commerce. Hence the business communication link comes within the fray in a very quantifiable manner when this bureau of consumer protection is talked about at length. FTC works to good effect within competition, economics and the two related bureaus are playing their active roles nonetheless. The basic concepts of FTC are very closely tied in with monopoly and mergers which are essential ingredients of the working realms of FTC (Kleit 2004). The unfair or deceptive practices which affect the consumers are also significant in understanding the dictum of how FTC works to good effect within the related environment . References Kleit, A (2004). Art of the Deal: The Merger Settlement Process at the Federal Trade Commission. Southern Economic Journal, Vol. 70 Loza, E (2001). Internet Fraud: Federal Trade Commission Prosecutions of Online Conduct. Communications and the Law, Vol. 23

The Case for Clean Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Case for Clean Technology - Essay Example Investing on clean or green energy can make a major impact on environmental problems such as pollution and other issues that emerge as a consequence (i.e. climate change). My position is, of course, in support of clean technology. The current interest in this field must be supported by the policy networks, specifically, by providing favorable environment in which this new commercial activities must flourish. Sources Case Study: Shane Eten An important source for this paper is a case study published by Babson College on Shane Eten and his efforts to launch a business venture. What is significant in this case study is the nature of Eten's venture. His project is the FEED Resource, which aims to build an anaerobic digester. The idea is to establish a company called Biospan and build a large anaerobic digester, a facility that would collect food waste from restaurants, grocery stores and even homes to feed the digester and produce compost and biogas. Eten, would, in effect, be taking was te and producing a usable byproduct in the process. The case provided in-depth insights on two important aspects. The first is that the study was able to identify the manner by which entrepreneurs and investors are scrambling to hitch on the clean technology bandwagon, which supposedly started in the year 2007. It cited specific cases such as the investments of Google and Wal-Mart on clean technologies. Secondly, there is the process involved in clean technology entrepreneurship. From research, business development, and management - these were explained and specified according to the clean technology case. These factors show why Eten's initiative will be a success story because it is supported by the goodwill of the public and the serious interest of the private sector. Chialin Chen: Green Product Development A more specific insight on green technology has been provided by Chialin Chen when he investigated the concept of "green product development". This is helpful for this paper be cause the study explained green product design and innovation in the context of consumer demand; the supply side and producer's decision-making; and, the regulatory environment, emphasizing the existing regulatory frameworks and standards. This study was also able to establish the business case for clean technologies by explaining that: 1) consumers are starting to be more inclined to green products; and, 2) the regulatory environment and the policy-networks are increasingly becoming strict on its environmental regulations and supportive of green technologies. This paper cited important cases that are useful to the objectives of this paper. For instance, there is the case of the automobile industry, designing and building cars with green technology specifications. Chevrolet and Ford's example show that as early as 1998, they were manufacturing green or hybrid automobiles successfully sold in the American market. Then there is also the case about the new emission limits for cars and industries as introduced in statutes that

Business Communications Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Communications Risk Management - Essay Example The FTC investigators can take care of a single organization or even an entire industry and it is up to their disposal to decide which route they want to go. It is an organization that has a separate bureau for the consumer protection realms which has a mandate to protect the consumers when the talk goes out loud related with the unfair or deceptive acts and practices found in commerce. Hence the business communication link comes within the fray in a very quantifiable manner when this bureau of consumer protection is talked about at length. FTC works to good effect within competition, economics and the two related bureaus are playing their active roles nonetheless. The basic concepts of FTC are very closely tied in with monopoly and mergers which are essential ingredients of the working realms of FTC (Kleit 2004). The unfair or deceptive practices which affect the consumers are also significant in understanding the dictum of how FTC works to good effect within the related environment . References Kleit, A (2004). Art of the Deal: The Merger Settlement Process at the Federal Trade Commission. Southern Economic Journal, Vol. 70 Loza, E (2001). Internet Fraud: Federal Trade Commission Prosecutions of Online Conduct. Communications and the Law, Vol. 23

Story from the bible 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Story from the bible 2 - Essay Example the teachings of the Old Testament in which women were often considered to be the root of evil on earth and were therefore condemned to a life of inequality in eternal servitude to the men whom she’d wronged. Although this has long been accepted as the historic custom, there is little evidence in the Bible that Jesus felt this was an appropriate behavior. When one reads through the gospels carefully, one can find numerous instances in which women were considered to be inferior to men, but that Jesus broke the customs and laws concerning how they were to be treated. Throughout the gospels, Jesus can be seen to act in direct opposition to the way in which men were expected to treat women as he deliberately moved against Old Testament law to embrace women as equal human beings engaged in the process of life. In his actions and words, Jesus can be seen to take a revolutionary approach toward women as he consistently treated women as real people of equal value to men. In the gospels alone, there is a lot of evidence that women were not considered equal to men. The idea that they were considered marginal individuals is discussed in the Women’s Bible Commentary in a number of areas but Jesus recognized them anyway. In Mark 5: 25-34, for instance, a woman who has â€Å"had a discharge of blood for twelve years† without finding any successful treatment believes that if she can just touch Jesus’ clothes she will be healed of her illness. She is correct in her belief as she sneaks up behind him and the instant her hand touches his robe, her body is healed but she is doubly-marginal because she is a woman and because she is bleeding, but Jesus turns and speaks with her and blesses her anyway. Another form of a double-marginal woman was a woman who was also a foreigner. There are at least two places where Jesus went directly against custom by speaking with these women directly. In John 4:7-5:30, he takes time to speak with a woman from Samaria. Unlike the woman

Dance, the Art of Movement Essay Example for Free

Dance, the Art of Movement Essay Dancing is the rhythmical movement of the body, usually with music, to express an idea or emotion, to narrate a story or simply to enjoy and take pleasure in the movement itself. It can be traced that Dance as an art started from the moment it was harnessed to a rhythm, probably the stamping of the feet and clapping of the hands. Dance of the earliest times differ from those of the present times; the dances of the barrio folks differ from those of the city. There are primitive and non primitive dances. Indians dance to give thanks for a harvest, the Mexicans to celebrate a religious festival, teenagers dance at parties, both young and old go discoing and children everywhere dance because it is pleasurable to express joy through bodily movement or language. Origin and Function of the Dance Dancing has primitive beginnings. It can be deduced from the behavior of primitive tribes surviving today that the rhythm that spurred on the dances mostly came from the beat sustained through the stamping of the feet on the ground. Soon, dance was used for purposes of affecting the whole tribe; hunting dance to depict the capture or a prey or a warlike dance to show the defeat of enemy. There were dances of thanksgiving for a good harvest, good weather and wanted rain. Rain dances have survived in some parts of the world until today. In biblical dances, the Old Testament attests that Miriam, the sister of Moses, led the women in a dances of joy after Israelites escaped from Egypt. King David danced before the Ark of the Covenant to express thanksgiving. Psalm 149 says, â€Å"Let them praise HIS name in the dance. † The Bible tells us when people danced, but it does not tell how they danced. The Hebrew religion forbade the making of images. Thus there are no paintings or statues to help reconstruct the dances of Miriam or David. In earlier times, supplications t Gods was the beginning of the religious aspect of dancing. In the West, the most sophisticated of professional dancers put their art at the service of religion taking part in celebrations in great cathedrals or in humble churches. It is believed that the more grotesque kinds of dancing in plays and spectacles were developed by the Romans. In the East as well as in the West, dancing was developed as a social grace. Various kinds of religious, social and theatrical dances evolved slowly in the dances today. Generally, western dance techniques are based mostly on footwork, while the Eastern forms of art dance, depending upon footwork to sustain the rhythm, derive their greatest beauty and subtle meanings from the infinite variety of delicate movements of the upper part of the body, especially the head, neck and hands. In the East as in the West, dance was indigenous to religious ceremony, and was used for entertainment. Plato, the great Greek Philosopher demanded a place for the dance in his ‘’ideal republic’’ saying that it would help towards acquiring noble, harmonious and graceful attitudes. The implication is that dance was already appreciated for its own sake, as an expression of beauty and movement. The domination of the Roman Catholic Church in Europe, after the fall of Rome, virtually extinguished theatrical dance, but it was reborn together with other art of Italy.

Cult Practices in Late Bronze Age Cyprus

Cult Practices in Late Bronze Age Cyprus Assess the evidence for cult practices on Cyprus during the LBA (Late Bronze Age). There is a variety of evidence for cult practices on Cyprus during the LBA although it is often difficult to interpret and scholarly opinion of the significance or meaning of any particular piece of evidence may vary widely.   In absolute terms, the LBA on Cyprus approximately covers the period from 1650-1050BC, some six hundred years, and in relative terms is divided by Steel into the phases LC (Late Cypriot) I-IIIA (Tatton-Brown 1997, 91; Steel 2004, 13).   The later phase down to c1050BC, traditionally termed LCIIIB, may be considered a transitional Bronze/Early Iron Age.   Such a considerable amount of time offers considerable scope for change in religious thought and practice, which may be more or less visible in the archaeological record, and although some material change through time may be observable, any interpretation still poses the danger of imposing a possibly non-existent uniformity on the material.   A lack of any written references such as inscriptions, dedica tions or other texts to deities in LBA Cyprus further complicates matters (Tatton-Brown 1997, 62).   Nevertheless, the archaeological evidence usually discussed in terms of religious or cultic beliefs and practices in LBA Cyprus seems to fall into several interlinked categories: clay figurines, architectural remains (eg of sanctuaries) and artefacts, such as statuettes, imported pottery or bucrania, found in association with those architectural remains.   The identification of any particular deities has been fraught with difficulty, but several bronze statuettes, the most well-known being known as the Ingot God and the Bomford figurine, are often thought to represent Cypriot or sometimes foreign gods and to show a link between cult and metalworking.   This essay shall therefore examine these in turn, focussing on LCII and LCIIIA in particular.   There are various types of figurine from LBA Cyprus and as with figurines from elsewhere, their interpretation and significance is disputed.   Considering the earlier stump and plank type human figures, Tatton-Brown (1997, 62) suggests that whether they were fertility charms or goddesses ‘in practical terms their function would have been the same’.   It is perhaps appropriate to bear this in mind with the LBA figurines.   Karageorghis (2001, 323) has noted two types of female symbolism in the religious iconography of LBA Cyprus: one type of nude female figurine holding or supporting her breasts first appears on Cyprus in the Chalcolithic and continues down to the sixth century BC (see Tatton-Brown 1997, 49, fig. 49); another type, the kourotrophos (or boy-feeder; see Tatton-Brown 1997, 62 fig. 67 for an early plank-shaped kourotrophos) appeared firstly in the LBA and was also present in the Aegean as well as Cyprus.   The former are sometimes known as ‘Asta rte’ type figures, after the Syrian goddess.   This emphasis on female characteristics such as breasts and genitals, as well as the feeding infant or infant in arms, is certainly suggestive of an interest in fertility and the feminine aspect, often thought to be represented by a ‘Great Goddess’ of Cyprus.   Although there is no textual evidence regarding female deities from LBA Cyprus, much later fourth century BC dedications at Paphos refer to ‘Wanassa’ – the ‘Lady’, which seems to be an old title known in the LBA Linear B record of mainland Greece (Tatton-Brown 1997, 63).   Greeks knew this goddess as Aphrodite or the Cyprian in the eighth century BC while Cypriots knew her as the Paphian, from the religious centre at Paphos.   Whatever the female figurines represent – and they may not even represent goddesses, it has nevertheless been concluded that anthropomorphic clay figurines ‘are not a typical element of LC cult equipment in LCII or LCIII’ but become popular towards the end of the LBA (Steel 2004, 205, 211).   Indeed, it seems that especially at Enkomi in LCIIIB, in the Sanctuary of the Ingot God, smaller and larger figurines (wheel-made with upraised arms) became especially popular, perhaps representing worshippers and deities.   The larger figurines seem to be related to Cretan examples (Karageorghis 2001, 325).   Most of the 120 figurines were deliberately broken, which may be indicative of changes in cult practice at this time (Webb 1999, 107). Anthropomorphic figurines are not the only type of figurine that may be related to cult practices on LBA Cyprus.   Another key type may be the bull figurine.   Steel (2004, 178) suggests that ‘most LC cult sanctuaries are equipped with at least a single terracotta bull figure.’   Hadjisavvas (1989) describes the tentative identification of two sanctuaries and a household cult area at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris from LCIIC-IIIA, where in total more than ten bull figurines were found on floors (see Hadjisavvas 1989, 38 fig. 3.6).   Evidence of metalworking and a miniature ox-hide ingot were also found associated.   Since bull figurines tend to be found on the floors of sanctuaries rather than deposited in pits (bothroi) or wells, Webb suggests they served as cult equipment rather than offerings (Webb 1999, 219).   Bucrania had appeared on clay sanctuary models from the Early Bronze Age testifying to the longstanding significance of the bull in the Cypriot mindscape (Preziosi and Hitchcock 1999, 202) and the LBA figures emphasise the continuing importance of the bull in LCIIIA cult practices, reflected in the finds of cattle bones and skulls at sites such as the Sanctuary of the Horned God at Enkomi (Steel 2004, 205).   It may be significant that at several sites, including the Sanctuary of the Double Goddess at Enkomi, no bull figurines were found.   The focus of communal ceremonial activity seems to have changed in LCIIA from the extramural cemeteries that seemed to dominate the ceremonial of LCI to sites specific to religious activity – sanctuaries, that now appear in the archaeological record (Steel 2004, 175).   There are notable examples of specialised cult centres from LCIIA at Myrtou-Pighades, Athienou and perhaps Ayios Iakovos-Dhima and in LCIIC-IIIA at the urban centres of Kition, Enkomi and Palaepaphos (Steel 2004, 176).   As seen above, the religious nature of a place may often be suggested by the finds associated with it, such as bull figurines or miniature ingots, supposing that they are a specialised assemblage distinct from domestic assemblages.   Particular architectural features or installations, such as horns of consecration (a feature from the Aegean, particularly Crete), altars and a cult room, may also be used to identify LC sanctuaries.   The remains of sacrifice, stores cult objects and image s and specialised prestige and religious objects, such as figurines, bucrania and imported pottery should also be indicative of a sanctuary (Knapp 1996, 75-6 cited in Steel 2004, 175).   However, the identification of cult buildings is not always straightforward since as Webb (1999, 11) points out ‘there appear to be few artefacts or architectural or locational indicators exclusively diagnostic of cult activity. Virtually all object types, with the probable exception of horns of consecration, are found in domestic and funerary as well as apparently ritual contexts’ and there is a danger of circular argumentation.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Bearing in mind the problems of identification, Webb (1999, 157-6; 166-88) has nevertheless suggested a number of characteristics of LC cult buildings.   Such buildings are mostly rectangular and freestanding and incorporate an enclosed courtyard or temenos.   They tend to be laid out on an east-west axis and often comprise two or three units of rooms – the hall, sometimes supported by rows of pillars, the cella or adyton and a vestibule.   A range of internal installations may be present, including: benches, for storage and display; hearths, often with burnt animal bone suggestive of sacrifice; stone podia for food and drink offerings or the display of votives or cult equipment; stone platforms or altars with horns of consecration, as at Myrtou-Pighades; terracotta larnakes or bathtubs and pits or bothroi, for the disposal of debris from sacrifices.   Also characteristic of LCII cult places are faunal remains of sheep, goat, cattle and deer, perhaps in the form of ash and burnt bone, the remains of sacrifice and feasting.   The main function of cult buildings may have been to house the deity and any ritual or public assembly may have made use of the courtyard or temenos area (Webb 1999, 162).   There may have been restricted access to particular areas reflecting the specialised role of religious functionaries, as in other ancient Near Eastern societies.   Keswani (1993, 74) has commented that what is striking about LC religious sites is their diversity in architectural form, which might argue for the existence of independent local polities.   However the relationship between religion and its expression in material terms, let alone the relationship between religion and politics, is unclear and, to use an analogy, the similarity of Gothic cathedrals or Christian churches across various countries does not reflect political unity.   Furthermore, whether the modern scholar’s distinction between cult building and non-cult building ref lects any particular distinction between sacred and secular that may or may not have existed in LBA Cyprus is moot. Turning now to the artefacts that are often found in the sanctuaries, Steel (2004, 177) notes that in contrast to the variety in architecture, the cult equipment of LCII sanctuaries is fairly uniform.   Although she comments that this may suggest ‘a certain degree of uniformity of cult practices and religious beliefs’ it should be borne in mind that material similarities and even similarities of ritual action do not necessarily betoken similarities in religious belief – the number of religions ancient and modern that utilise, for example, ritualised drinking (eg Christianity), while having very different sets of beliefs, should warn us of this.   That said, the cult equipment is largely made up of ceramics that suggest certain features of cult practice.   Liquid containers are common finds, especially Base Ring carinated cups which may have been used for wine consumption during feasting, for pouring libations or both (Steel 2004, 177).   The pottery in the se contexts is usually fine Cypriot ware with some Mycenaean imports, mainly in the form of kraters, probably for mixing wine.   Some Mycenaean rhyta, often conical vessels used for pouring libations, have been found, for example at Myrtou-Pighades and Kition (see Preziosi and Hitchcock 1999, 201 fig. 134) and a locally made imitation in ivory was found at Athienou, although they may not have been fully incorporated into Cypriot ritual (Steel 2004, 178).   Other vessels such as Mycenanaean kylikes may have been used for libation ceremonies.   The ceramic focus on drinking seems reminiscent of the mainland Greek LBA palace of Pylos, with its storerooms full of drinking cups.   Another shared feature is the practice of using miniature votives, either ceramics or ingots, such as at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris (Hadjisavvas 1989, 38).   Apart from ceramics, Steel (2004, 178) also mentions the presence of objects that may have been used in divination: incised ox-scapulae, astragalis and worked shells, and other valuable items such as faience, ivory, glass, alabaster, bronzes and sealstones, which may have been involved in competitive display, at least on the urban sanctuaries.   Three of the most famous and enigmatic bronze finds, perhaps representing deities, are the Ingot God from Enkomi, the unprovenanced Bomford statuette and the Horned God from Enkomi, all of which would seem to belong to LCIIIA (Carless Hulin 1989; Steel 2004, 180, 205 plate 25). The Ingot God is a warrior with a horned helmet, holding a small round shield and spear.   He appears to be standing on a characteristically shaped bronze ox-hide ingot.   The Bomford statuette resembles an ‘Astarte’ figurine but also seems to stand upon an ingot.   Many interpretations have been offered, including suggestions that the Ingot God is a Babylonian or Levantine god (Nergal) or the Greek smith-god Hephaistos; others have linked it with Syria-Palestine or the Aegean (Carless Hulin 1989, 127).   The Bomford figurine, reckoned to be a local Cypriot goddess, has been assumed to be the consort of the Ingot God, since it also stands on an ingot, and thus Carless Hulin (1989, 127) ha s suggested that its identification must be seen in light of that figure.   While these two figures have posed significant problems in interpretation and in particular origins as deduced from style have been a major concern of those examining them, they do seem to show a connection between religion and metalwork (Steel 2004, 180).   This is not entirely surprising since such a link is suggested by the miniature ingots from cult areas mentioned above at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris or those from Enkomi, some with inscriptions.   Further representations of ingots have been noted that seem to show them in a ritualised sense – ie being carried in a procession   (unless this is mere transportation or loading), on sealstones, and in combination with human figures, trees and bucrania, the association of which would seem to indicate ritual significance (Knapp 1986, 37).   Another link between religion and metalwork is shown by the physical proximity of cult and metalworking areas .   This was the case at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris (Hadjisavvas 1989, 41) and can be seen clearly at Kition-Kathari (see Steel 2004, 179 fig. 6.13) as well as many other sites.   Hadjisavvas (1989, 41) concluded that there was a relationship between elite control (priesthood/priest-king) of craft production and trade in copper and other commodities and between cult and metalworking.   As with drinking, the relationship seems reminiscent of that of Pylos as a specialised production centre with close links between production, storage and religious/political authority. The Horned God has also been classed as a warrior god (Steel 2004, 205), though it does not possess the military accoutrements (the spear and shield) of the Ingot God.   The impractically horned helmet may in fact be arrogating or representing some aspect of the bull divinity in human aspect.   The sanctuary of the Horned God at Enkomi in fact revealed cattle bones, skulls and possibly traces of an Aegean bull’s head rhyton that might be taken as supporting this conjecture.   Although these three bronze figures are commonly referred to as gods, the problem of interpretation nonetheless remains.   Do the statues represent deities and were they venerated?   Are they votives or substitutes for worshippers or individuals?   Perhaps they were simply items of cult equipment used in ceremonies, perhaps revealed during ceremonies of divine appearance or the enactment of myths.   Their deposition seems to suggest deliberate closure ceremonies (Steel 2004, 206), suggesting that these rituals and statuettes are tied to specific times in LBA Cyprus and presumably responded to specific social needs.   Thus it is perhaps unwise to draw period wide generalisations from such evidence. Another type of evidence appearing in LCIII that should be mentioned briefly is the terracotta masks from the urban sanctuaries of Enkomi and Kition (Steel 2004, 204).   These have been divided into anthropomorphic and demonic types, both of which are slightly less than adult life size.   Some have traces of paint and eight of the anthropomorphic masks show a bearded male with cut-out eyes and a closed mouth.   The demonic faces are deeply grooved.   The masks have been interpreted as ritual objects worn during rites of passage from childhood to adulthood – the demonic masks representing the wild state of childhood and as masks used in mythological re-enactments connected to metalworking (Steel 2004, 205). This essay has attempted to outline and assess the evidence for cult practice in LBA Cyprus.   Inevitably not all of the evidence has been mentioned here but it is hoped that reasonable coverage has been given to the main points.   It has shown that while there is much evidence linked to cult in the LBA, such as figurines, sanctuaries and specialised artefacts, their interpretation is often problematic.   Even when it is fairly certain that items may have been involved in cult in one way or another, any more specific comment is often impossible, even when deciding if a figurine represent a divinity.   It has also been demonstrated that to link variety in architectural form to any interpretation of the political geography of LBA Cyprus may be problematic, since the wider relationships between material and non-material remain obscure.   Furthermore, the essay examined the significance of several bronze statuettes, usually taken to be divinities, and the problems in their inte rpretation as well as the novel terracotta masks that appear in LCIII.   On the other hand, it has been shown that there seems to have been lively religious activity on LBA Cyprus that involved drinking and feasting using particular ceramics and in particular places, the pouring of libations and sacrifice of animals, as well as the deposition of valuable items.   There seems to have been a particular reverence for bulls and their imagery as well as the female aspect represented by figurines and the Bomford statuette, as well as a significant link between metalworking and religion, as demonstrated by both the proximity of cult and metalworking areas and the presence of miniature ingots.   Another important aspect of LBA Cypriot religion seems to be the willingness to incorporate features from outside Cyprus, the Cretan horns of consecration, for example, rhyta, Mycenaean cups, kraters and the like and the ability of Cypriot religion to change over time. References Carless Hulin, L. 1989. The identification of Cypriot cult figures through cross-cultural comparison: some problems.   In Peltenburg, E. (ed.) 1989. Early Society in Cyprus. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, pp127-39. Hadjisavvas, S. 1989. A Late Cypriot Community at Alassa. In Peltenburg, E. (ed.) 1989. Early Society in Cyprus. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, pp32-42. Karageorghis, V. 2001. The Great Goddess of Cyprus Between the Aegeans and the ‘Etrocypriots’. In Laffineur, R. and Hagg, R. (eds.) 2001. POTNIA. Deities and Religion in the Aegean Bronze Age Aegaeum 22. Gà ¶teborg: Gà ¶teborg University pp323-27. Keswani, P.S. 1993. Models of Local Exchange in Late Bronze Age Cyprus. BASOR 292: 73-83. Knapp, A.B. 1986. Copper Production and Divine Protection: Archaeology, Ideology and Social Complexity on Bronze Age Cyprus. SIMA Pocketbook 42. Gà ¶teborg: Paul Astrà ¶ms Fà ¶rlag.    Preziosi, D. and Hitchcock, L.A. 1999. Aegean Art and Arc hitecture. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Steel, L. 2004. Cyprus Before History. From the Earliest Settlers to the End of the Bronze Age. London: Duckworth. Tatton-Brown, V. 1997. Ancient Cyprus. (2nd edition) London: British Museum Press. Webb, J.M. 1999. Ritual Architecture, Iconography and Practice in the Late Cypriot Bronze Age.   Jonsered: Paul Astrà ¶ms Fà ¶rlag.

Common Sense Essay example -- essays research papers

Common Sense. By Thomas Paine. Edited with an Introduction by Isaac Kramnic. (New York: Penguin Books, 1986). &nbsp; &#9;Recently, I acquired a copy of Thomas Paine’s most recent patriotic pamphlet, entitled Common Sense. I was immediately interested in what Paine had to say in his new work, after such powerful previous works, such as The Crisis series. I was nothing less than astonished at how Paine so powerfully conveyed his patriotic message. Paine theorizes a split between England and the colonial states. At the same time as a split is theorized, it would form a union of the colonial states into one country, united into one body on our American principles, no longer under the rule of the British Parliament and its ridiculous taxes and misrepresentation. Paine delivers one of the most compelling arguments I have heard on why there should be a division between the English and the Americans. &#9;The British Parliament has long been a bane to the colonists in the New World, with the passage of all their &quot;acts&quot; to tax us simply because we are more productive. Paine makes his contempt for the current system of government quite clear early on. "Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for even we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamities is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer." (65) Paine clearly believes that the English government falls into the &quot;intolerable&quot; category of governments. Although a system of government is a required entity in almost any society, there are much better ways to govern a people besides the British monarchal system. Paine discusses how the Parliament is set up as a representation o f the people, but what good is representation in a monarchy? The monarch still has absolute power, even though a system is set up to make it appear as though the people have a say. This lack of true representation instills a lack of trust towards the king in the British subjects. These factors create doubt in one’s mind about the strength of the British government. Paine questions the government saying: "How came the king by a power which the people are afraid to trust, ... ...umstances, a separation between England and America is crucial to the survival of America. The only factor that must be decided is when such a separation should occur. If we look to Paine’s advice, he states: "As all men allow the measure, and vary only in their opinion of the time, let us, in order to remove mistakes, take a general survey of things and endeavour if possible, to find out the very time. But we need not go far, the inquiry ceases at once, for the time hath found us." (100) Paine calls for an immediate separation from the British. As an independent nation, America could be free of England’s tyrannical government, and its absurd monarchy. No longer would we have to suffer the injustices of the British Parliament and their ridiculous taxes. We already have to protect ourselves as a nation, without British support, unless of course the English have some interest in the matter. Why not defend our selves as an independent nation? There is no poss ibility of reparations at this point in time. However, this is the key time to make our stand. If we ever have a desire to become free men, men of our own will and control, we must act now, and declare our independence.

Ancol Ltd. Study Essay

Ancol Ltd. hired Paul Simard as the manager of their Jonquiere, Quebec plant. Simard observed that relations were strained between management and employees and, through information from a seminar he had attended, ordered the removal of time clocks. This action brought an onset of negative consequences that ultimately led to a further diminishing of relations between the employees and management, accounting issues due to lack of accountability, and problems between the union and Ancol Ltd; All of these issues decreased productivity in the factory. The problem stems from issues of competency and communication. Essentially, there should have been an open solution from the beginning. Simard did not have the insight to understand the situation he was placed in. The new manager should have tried to understand why relations between employees and management were strained in the first place. He then could move to understand the needs of the management and workers to develop a solution that would benefit the whole factory. Rather than instantly implementing the removal of time clocks that he had learnt from the seminar, Simard should have carefully analyzed the situation and what consequences this policy could have on the factory. Simard could have researched and inquired about such methods and perhaps learnt the consequences from the instance at the B.C. factory. Problem Statement: The central issue at the Jonquiere Ancol Ltd. plant was that Paul Simard, and his management team, lacked the insight and communication to discern a more holistic and open solution to the problem of strained relations between the management and employees. This led to an uneducated and rash decision to order the removal of time clocks from the factory that led to negative consequences. Employees began leaving early, showing for work late, and taking extended lunch breaks that created distrust and frustration among management and other employees. The management was ordered to observe the employees and reprimand those who abused their privileges and was not competent enough to handle the task, which led to a great burden for the  supervisors, and this made it extremely difficult to foster trust between the management and employees. Consequently, the payroll department could not deduct pay for the amount of times employees were late due to a lack of accountability and therefore a lette r of reprimand was placed in each employee’s file, which created even more work for the supervisors. Finally, due to the letters of reprimand, grievances were filed with the employees’ unions that fostered greater distrust and essentially productivity, energy, and integrity significantly declined in the factory. Alternatives: The main issue revolved around the lack of communication and competency of the management at the beginning. Simard, and his staff, lacked the insight to effectively find a solution that would provide a holistic approach in solving the already apparent strained relations between the supervisors and employees. At the onset of his work term, Simard should have sought to understand why there was a rift between the employees and management. If Ancol Ltd. were still in good terms with the previous manager, Simard could have communicated with him to obtain a better understanding. In understanding the underlying issue, Simard would be able to effectively tackle the problem without uncertainty and then, Simard should have effectively communicated with his management team and his employees to find a solution that would benefit both parties and foster productivity, integrity, and trust back into the factory. The constraint to finding a holistic approach is that it takes time and the right solut ion may not come into fruition. Furthermore, while a solution is being made, it can be assumed that the relations are worsening. Furthermore, Simard should have seen that some of the issue arose from the fact that the supervisors lacked the interpersonal skills to communicate with the employees, which became apparent when the time clocks were removed. This was an obvious issue that Simard should have seen; having a management team that did not think the decision to remove the time clocks was rash or unwise should have been a signal. Therefore, perhaps Simard could have trained the existing management, or replaced them with more competent staff to create a more insightful staff and a healthier work environment for the employees. The constraint to this alternative is that training or hiring new management is time consuming and costly, and trust would have to be fostered between the new hires. This policy would have positive consequences and would create more trust between the employees and workers. It is obvious that the removal of the time clocks led to more harm than good. Simard should have carefully analyzed the situation prior to making the decision that led to such folly. If he had done this, many of the issues would not have occurred and the factory could have taken a step forward. Furthermore, he should have carefully analyzed the method that he learned from the seminar and how it would affect the employees and the factory’s productivity. Not all ideas that come from seminars pertain to every situat ion and any system change should be analyzed to predict the outcome in every functional area, such as the payroll department. If he had communicated with his senior management team and employees about the time clocks and its possible consequences, perhaps he would have found a better approach. Furthermore, if Simard had discussed the time clocks with other managers prior to implementing his policy, he would have learnt the consequences through the instance at the B.C. factory. Clearly, the issue and solution heavily depends on communication around the factory. It is difficult to see any negative consequences of this alternative, as the removal of time clocks was a disastrous solution. A constraint to this alternative is that it can be assumed that Simard does not have a management team that can communicate well, and hiring and training is costly and time consuming. With regards to the issues that occurred after the removal of the time clocks, there were many alternatives that Simard could have implemented that would have decreased the damage done. Simard could have been more strict on how many times an employee could be late, leave early, or take an extended lunch break. Furthermore, Simard could have rewarded those who stay longer and later to incentivize those who consid er abusing their privileges. These solutions have obvious pitfalls as the former only creates an adversarial environment and the latter relies on bribery rather than integrity and trust. Conclusion To conclude, since the issues stem from a lack of insight and communication, the solutions should also pertain to areas of insight and communication. Essentially, Ancol Ltd. could have hired a more competent manager for their Jonquiere plant. A competent manager would have created a more holistic and beneficial solution. Simard had not identified the root of the strained relations between the senior management and the employees. If he had communicated with the employees and management and previous manager in order to understand the issue at hand a much better solution could have been implemented. Also, a competent manager would have found that their management is lacking in crucial interpersonal skills that may have contributed to the issue. Simard should have conversed with the employees to learn about the existing management and terminate the supervisors who are not fit to lead. Although less costly, training the existing staff may not be the best option due to the fact that that the strained relations may be in part due to personality traits. Simard should have attempted to understand the implications of removing the time clock s in the factory. There were many alternatives that Simard could have attempted such as talking with his senior management team and employees, or communication with other managers at plants in order to understand the consequences of removing the time clocks. He would have found that it would have profound consequences in many functional areas of the factory and would derive a different solution. In regards to the order for the removal of time clocks, aside from reintroducing the time clocks earlier, it would be difficult for Simard to find solutions to the problem but rather Paul would be attempting â€Å"Band-Aid† solutions to the problems. Simard could have hired new supervisors or implemented a incentive based system but ultimately, this would have been avoided through more careful analysis and planning and therefore these should be rejected. Implementation At the beginning of Simard’s term, he should have immediately sought to identify the underlying issue regarding the strained relations between the employees and the senior management. First and foremost, if possible, Simard should have communicated with the previous manager. Next, Simard should have conducted depth discussions with his senior management and employees, together and separate. This will create an open and truthful dialogue between both parties and essentially, Simard would build a crucial  relationship with all staff. This process will take approximately a month or two. Throughout this time, Simard should have conducted research into the consequences of the removal of all time clocks and would refrain from doing so. In the process of discovering these issues, Simard would have noticed that his supervisor’s lack crucial skills that are necessary for their positions and terminate/hire new management staff accordingly. Simard would then ensure that the new management has the appropriate skills to effectively communicate with the employees and him to create a more accountable working environment. This process would take another month. With his revamped management staff, Simard would then address the underlying problems found through involvement with both the supervisors and employees. In this process, a new relationship would be built between both parties and workplace productivity and happiness would increase. This process would be ongoing until the solution was found and implemented.