Final exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Final exam - Assignment Example Temin, further, argues against the efficiency of slave farming; as they argued that slaves were more efficient as compared to free white farmers (Temin et al. 739-783). a). Business unionism refers to trade-consciousness, where there is advocating for simple and pure trade-based union formation, as opposed to revolutionary or class-based union formation. In this case, the business unions are run like business ventures. On the other hand, class-conscious unionism refers to the labor unionization efforts that identify the class struggle existing between the different levels of the employees within the labor category (Fusfeld 3-23). b). Fusfeld talks of the period before 1918, as a time when labor radicalism and demand for changes was repressed by employers, working cooperatively with state and local governments – as well as court authorities. In other cases the national government came in to repress the attempts to bring about social change to the capitalistic model (Fusfeld 3-23). c). The new relationships between capitalist and workers become characteristic with class lines, where the workers were not asking for favors from the capitalistic model, but worked squarely on the basis of the class struggle. Here, the workers defiantly challenged the capitalist class – as a result of the awakening, to pursue class and better victory and living standards (Fusfeld 3-23). d). Engagement in unionization fosters political association on the basis of class – where it increases the workers’ political engagement, as well as the development of a distinctive work-based character. As a result, the erosion of unions leads to a decline in working class-based politics (Fusfeld 3-23). a).The institutionalist approach to looking at economics, places the focus on comprehending the role of the progressive process and the effect of organizations in influencing economic behavior. The approach views institutions in a

Welfare and Food Stamps Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Welfare and Food Stamps - Research Paper Example The program has tried to reduce hunger and improve food security among low-income Americans. This paper will discuss the high administration costs, alleged fraud cases in the program, and the negative effect on the labor market make it a failure. There is a need for urgent reforms in the food program to reduce enrolment and government spending, and localize it to the state level. The history of food stamps dates back to the 1930s. The Food Stamp program was both a farm price support program as an anti-poverty one. This has been the case since the early days of the program in the 1930s. The depletion of food surpluses and mismanagement saw the phase out of the program. It took several years to re-establish the program and congress passed legislation to provide food stamps to low-income Americans. However, only pilot programs took shape. It was only after President Lyndon Johnson directed congress to pass the Food Stamp Act of 1964 that saw the initiation of the modern food stamp program. The main aim of the program was to boost the agricultural economy and improve nutritional levels of Americans. Presently, it faces several challenges, especially after the 2002 farm bill, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, and Energy Act of 2008 under the Obama administration, allowed noncitizens to register. This, coupled with easier claiming of benefits, in creased the trend of registration to the program. After the change of name from ‘food stamps’ to the ‘Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’, President Obama’s 2009 stimulus bill further stretched the program by increasing benefits by 13.6 percent (Tanner 2). Consequently, roughly 48 million Americans receive SNAP benefits today, and in so doing, this gives taxpayers a yearly cost of more than $78 billion (Tanner 2). Because of this surge, critics suggest that food stamps and the farm bill should be two separate entities

Competitive Advantage Through HR Outsourcing

Competitive Advantage Through HR Outsourcing Organizations getting their human resource function done out side the organization is known as HR outsourcing. With the help of HR outsourcing an organization hands over its human resource issues to be resolved by the third party and the third solves all issues related to human resource. Through outsourcing a company can avoid its internal cost to some extent and it will get better services at low cost because third party consultant holds highly competent HR professionals with them. If organization tries to hire those people it would be very costly for it. HR outsourcing gives access to those professionals at minimum cost and organizations get better solution. Now days, organization are trying to move towards HR outsourcing. Many of the organizations now adopt this concept and because of outsourcing, they are performing better. In my research I have tried to find out whether adopting HR outsourcing gives an edge to the organization or not. I set our initial hypothesis that organization gets competitive advantage if they go for HR outsourcing. In order to get results I have conducted a small scale research and on the basis of this research I concluded my findings. RESEARCH QUESTION Does an organization gain competitive advantage through HR outsourcing? RESEARCH OBJECTIVES HR outsourcing is gaining immense importance in the current era. Most of the organizations are now adopting HR outsourcing. It gives organizations double benefit, firstly they can avail services of key human resource professionals without hiring them and secondly organizations can get these benefits incurring very low cost. The basic objective of conducting this research is to find out the impact of HR outsourcing on organizational performance. In this research I have tried to find that organizations gain competitive advantage through HR outsourcing. What positive things they achieve through HR outsourcing. I have collected data from key HR personnel working in leading organizations. This research will assist almost every organization that is working at broader level. By analyzing the findings of this research organizations can get the idea whether they should adopt HR outsourcing or not. This research will also be helpful for those organizations that are considering HR outsourcing. I have also discovered that what benefits organizations achieve through HR outsourcing and what are other possibilities to gain other different benefits. LITERATURE REVIEW In the presence of theoretical model an organization identifies environmental and organizational characteristics that affect the performance of human resource in the organization. Particularly we address the issue according to the circumstance which contributes value for organization by the analysis of environmental and organizational characteristics that affect HR performance and relationship outsourcing mediates. We propose that supplier competition in HR is directly proportion to the HR depth performance. Uncertain situation of the environment like primary, competitive and supplier give the indications to develop the relationship between the performance of HR and amount of HR outsourcing and also between supplier competition and amount of outsourcing for asset specify the latest version of the paper was presented in Houston, Texas, March, 2003 at the Southwest Academy of Management meeting and received the paper award. It has been observed in different organizations that they are focusing on human resource outsourcing. This trend has been observed for last few years. In a research conducted by well reputed institutions of the world concluded in its findings the views of key HR personnel of different leading organizations that they outsource at least one function from the outside in order to increase productivity. P G signed an agreement to outsource HR service in 2004 for its operation spread all over the world. HR outsourcing is gaining rapid attention by different organizations, it is strongly recommended that organization should go through all aspects while outsourcing. In different surveys it has been found that it has declined the morale of employees and customer services are also not up to standards. It is still problem for the organizations that before going to outsourcing for the functions that previously did in the organization and decision solely based on cost and benefit analysis. (e.g.,AndersonWeitz, 1986;Belous, 1989; Greer, Youngblood, Gray, 1999; Gupta Gupta, 1992; Kakabadse Kakabadse, 2002; Lever, 1997), and Vining Globerman (1999) in a research conducted by government agencies that through HR outsourcing organization saved up to 30% in its operating costs. In spite of that difference other studies suggest that while making decision of outsourcing cost should not be only criteria few other factors should also be taken into consideration. In those considerations it must analyze that organizations are availing services of highly competent professionals and customer satisfaction has also increased. (Barthelemy, 2003; Greer, Youngblood Gray, 1999; Gupta Gupta, 1992), by few experts it is said that organizations lose long term advantage (Anderson Weitz, 1986; Greer, Y oungblood Gray, 1999, Gupta Gupta, 1992; Lever, 1997). Studies that have been conducted very recently, Adler (2003) pointed few factors that must be considered while making decision for out sourcing, one how dependent you will be, second is spillover risk, and third is reliability of that organization, capability of that organization, long term sustainability and flexibility. The factors that discussed at first, second, third and fourth position are short term and fifth and sixth positions are long term. Even though there is no accurate method that helps us whether outsourcing is most efficient and effective. Few practical examples are available whether to manufacture or purchase from out side for example Leiblein, Reuer, Dalsace, 2002) findings focus why organization outsource, what are the benefits of outsourcing. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Todays world of business is very dynamic; every business is striving to sustain its position in the market. HR outsourcing is an emerging concept and gaining an edge with the passage of time. Organizations are moving towards adaptation of this concept. It has been observed that HR outsourcing is beneficial for the organizations. Organizations performance increases with the help of HR outsourcing. Those organizations that have adopted HR outsourcing in their organization are performing better than those that have not focused on HR outsourcing. It shows trend towards HR outsourcing. It is utmost effort of every organization to perform at optimum level and give better result to its stakeholders. Though HR outsourcing organizations avail services of highly competent professionals who assist them to increase their productivity and ultimately this will positively affect the profits of the organizations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY In this research, I have used survey methods because this is descriptive research and nature of the situation is uncertain, in which management partially is sure about the problem. Questionnaire was used as data collection tool in which structured and close end questions were asked. Total fourteen questions were designed to ask different opinion from the respondents. In all questions different options were given to the respondent to select his choice. Finally when all questionnaire were got filed then I summarized the result in order to finalize my research findings. Apart from questionnaire literature was reviewed thoroughly. By analyzing both primary data collected through questionnaire and secondary data analyzed in literature review, I have concluded my research findings. In this research, my sample size was thirty respondents and all were professionals working in different organizations. They participated in this research and on the basis of responses received from them I finally concluded about this research. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES In this research, 30 respondents were asked to participate. Out of which 27 questionnaires were received. 3 questionnaires were rejected due to fake or incomplete data, ultimately 24 questionnaires were analyzed. All participants were highly qualified HR professionals that were performing their duties in well reputed and leading organizations. Most of the respondents were in 41 to 50 years age bracket but few of them were 51 to 60 years age bracket. All respondents had been serving in the organization for more than five years. In the response to a question that HR department plays a vital role for the development of the organization, 83% responded strongly agree, 9% agreed, and only 8% disagrees with this statement. This shows the importance of the HR department in the organization especially in the light of these responses. Organizations which have highly competent HR professional are stronger than those that are lacking them. Majority of the responded agreed with this statement only a small percent of the responded denied this statement. HR outsourcing leads organization towards success, in the response to this question 95% agreed this statement and 5% were neutral, they did not respond anything. From the response to this question it can be inferred that it is key success factor of the organization if it adopts HR outsourcing. HR outsourcing doubles the performance of organization, response of this question was not completely positive. 56% respondents were neutral and did comment on it, 23% agreed this statement, 21% of respondents disagreed with this statement. It can be inferred from this statement that most of the HR personnel were not sure about it because no quantitative data was available in front of them, so they reserved their response. In the responses to this question, organizations are more competitive that are involved in HR outsourcing, 75% responded strongly agreed with this statement, 18% agreed and only 7% responded who disagreed with this statement. In regards to another question, HR outsourcing gives competitive advantage to the organizations, 88% agreed with this statement, 7% were neutral and only 5% responded disagreed with this statement. From the responses of these two questions it can easily be inferred how HR outsourcing contributes to the development of the organization. Organization attains competitive advantage due to HR outsourcing. Organizations which are involved in HR outsourcing get their HR function done more professionally, 89% of respondents agreed with this statement and only 11% disagreed. HR outsourcing plays vital role in the success of the organization, 53% of the respondents agreed with this statement, 29% were neutral and did choose either side only 8% disagreed with this statement. Though it is emerging concept, most of the HR professionals are not able to differentiate both scenarios. Most of the organizations are moving towards HR outsourcing, 83% respondents agreed it means they have realized the value of the HR outsourcing. Really it is beneficial for the organizations and this is the key success factor for the organizations. Data Validity and Reliability For the collection of data questionnaire was used which was designed according to hypothesis, and nature of information we wanted to ask. All questions were designed in such direction which gave us proper direction towards hypothesis. Secondly, this questionnaire was initially passed through pilot testing process in which any types of problems or errors and unnecessary things were removed that verified authenticity of that questionnaire. Thirdly, this questionnaire was filled by HR professional and they know very well about related field, they were experts and have extensive ideas regarding this field and they responded to the questions based on their deep knowledge and vast experience. As we discussed earlier in this research those respondents were asked to participate who had been working in the organizations for more than five years and they had captured a leading position in their particular department. They were also working in the world class organization,so scope of these peop le was very high their participation in this research gave me a clear picture to draw a better conclusion. Ethical Issues Apart from many issues it is also mandatory for the researcher to take care of ethical issues related with that particular research. As questionnaire that were received from the respondents having confidential data that was unethical to disclose because they provided some personal information and it seemed awkward to deliberately convey others and it also seemed unnecessary that it should be told to any one. All the facts and figures provided by the respondents especially most secrete things were kept as secrete only required thing that were mandatory to analyze has been discussed in this research. One more thing that what ever the result of this research, organizations which use the data for their betterment purpose must take care of one thing that they would not harm their employees. Recommendations In the view of above research it has been recommended to the organizations that HR outsourcing is very important aspect that must be focused. By implementing HR outsourcing most of the organizations availing the benefits of it and others are trying to implement. Few of the organization have not taken any effort to move in this direction. Though the world of business is very dynamic and it is changing rapidly, it has been hard for the most of the organizations to operate in this dynamic world. On each day new products have been introduced in the market and new ideas have been brought in the market. Competition is increasing day by day; every organization is trying to take over other. Businesses are facing very tough competition and it is very hard to respond these daily fluctuations. For the sake of survival, organizations must critically analyze the situation and plan to responds these changes accordingly. If any organization does not take care and it is not worry about what ever is happening in the business world, they may almost go out from the market they do not sustain their competitive positions. As we know HR is key asset of any organization, all physical assets are operated by human resource. Human resource does not have only capability to operate physical assets but it can also bring new ideas by using its analytical skills. If any organization has capable and competent human resource it has an edge to other organization because it can respond well. Capability is bestowed by nature; it does not mean if any one is highly qualified he is capable as well. Any organization that has hired talented human resource it can respond well to the changes occurring in the dynamic business world. HR outsourcing is an emerging concept; most of the organizations have adopted this concept in which organizations get their HR functions done externally. It the light of my research it is strongly recommended that organization must focus to bring changes because it assists them to attain competitive advantage. Those organizations which have not yet considered this fact must focus on it. It would not only save the cost of the organization but it also would help to render the services of highly competent HR professional. As we all know that business world is very dynamic, each day we find new changes in the market. Organizations are striving to introduce innovative and modified products. With the passage of time, necessities of the people have also changed. In order to produce products, offer service according to expectation of customers, organization must hire those people who must be committed and enthusiastic with the organization. So they must go for HR outsourcing for the betterment of their services and to respond the rapidly changes in the market. Conclusion Organization get their human resource function done out side the organization is known as HR outsourcing. With the help of HR outsourcing organization hand over its human resource issues to be resolved by the third party and that third solves all issues related to human resource. With detailed analysis of this research, I have come to this point that HR outsourcing is mandatory for the organizations and gives competitive advantage to the organizations. Finding of this research confirms that though HR outsourcing organizations attain competitive advantage. In this research, respondents who participated were all professional and performing their duties in the leading organizations. Most of the respondents uttered that human resource department plays a vital role in the development of the organizations and really this is the fact because they are the key assets of any organization. All those organization that captured leading positions in the world market, it was due to their expert human resource. In the regard of question whether HR outsourcing is important, many of the respondents positively uttered that it is mandatory and plays most important part in the development of any organization. Because now a days business people know the fact that it is hard to survive in the market until timely actions are not taken. So it can only be possible when they get their HR functions done in professional ways. There would be dual effect of this HR outsourcing, one organization would avail professional guidance at low cost and secondly due to professional capabilities they would try to motivate employees. HR outsourcing increases the work efficiently of the organizations. Productivity of the organizations increases, in view of few questions it was stated that due to competent HR organizations gives better results and perform at expected level. Most of the organizations are now moving to HR outsourcing, there can many reasons behind that. One reason among them can be the tough competition in the market due to that organization has to respond to rapidly changing market. Every day new and improved products or services have been introduced, it has become complex to run the businesses if proper attention is not paid, it has also become matter of survival for the organization thats why efforts are continuously made to bring organization at competition level. Organizations are striving to make changes on daily basis and respond to the external environment accordingly. It is their full effort to pave the way of success. Focus towards HR outsourcing is also one of the parts of this connection. In nut shell, I conclude that organizations attain competitive advantage due to HR outsourcing;they perform better than other organization, and they become successful to attain competitive advantage because they respond the environment quickly if any new change occurs out side the external environment. It increases the productivity of the organizations and they become more efficient. Most of the organizations are now moving towards HR outsourcing because they have realized the importance of HR outsourcing.

The Decameron Essay -- Italy Italian Literature Giovanni Boccaccio Ess

The Decameron BOCCACCIO, GIOVANNI Born in 1313, Giovanni Boccaccio is one of the greatest figures in Italian Literature. He was born in Paris, France by a French woman who remains unknown, but on many occasion he speaks very highly of her. His father is an Italian; they are part of the middle class. As for their professional status, they were Merchants / Bankers. Although, Bocaccio was born out of wedlock, his father legitimized him and took him to his house, provided him with a family and a good education. In 1340 Boccaccio moved to Florence where he meets Petrarch in 1350, his mentor. He began study Greek and Roman Classics. During 1339 to 1351 he writes The Decameron one of the most noted and readable book in all literature. It is believed that he completes the first draft of The Decameron before he met Petrarch in 1350. Somehow the meeting with Petrarch changed Boccaccio’s Literature development. What he admires the most about Petrarch is his scholar and the humanist. With such influence Boccaccio withdraw from writing about romance, and preferably writes in Latin. He was an ambassador to different mission; Boccaccio did some community work while he was intensely involved in literature and his school activity. After traveling in different part of Europe, Boccaccio returns to Certaldo where he becomes very sick. In the fall of 1374 he receives the terrible news from Petrach’s son-in-law, to let him know that his best friend passed. He was devastated, became depressed and died the following year. SUMMARY OF FOURTH DAY, FIFTH STORY This love story is about a rich, young girl that falls in love with a young man of a low social status. Ellisabetta is young, beautiful and lives in Mess... ...l of this just to keep a secret that ends up coming out anyway. This just proves the old saying, "What is done in the dark will come to light." Cottino-Jones sums up love and the community in this story in her book. She says, "the lovers in this books are constantly faced with violence, death and isolation when their affairs come into conflict with society’s rigid behavior codes "(Cottino-Jones, 79). Lack of communication and social factors made everyone in the story unhappy or dead. WORKS CITED Boccaccio, Giovanni. The Decameron. Translated by Mark Musa & Peter Bondanella. Penguin-Mentor, 1982. Cottino-James, Marga. Order From Chaos: Social & Aesthetic Harmonies In Boccaccio’s Decameron. Washington D. C.: University Press, 1982. Decameron Web. http://www.Brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/dweb.shtml. (1999, July 6).

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Most people believe that life ends after death, but what people don’t know is that death is a new beginning. The novel â€Å"The five people you meet in heaven† by Mitch Albom proves that. Eddie lived a peaceful life after the war. But Eddie still felt his life had no purpose after marguerite passed away. Eddie was also the second generation of family to work at the pier. When Eddie passed away, saving a little girl, on his eighty-third birthday, he discovers a second life. On his way through heaven Eddie will learn three of the most valuable lessons in life. â€Å"Lost love is still love†, â€Å"no sacrifice is too small†, and â€Å"all lives are connected†.â€Å"Lost love is still love† is one of the valuable lessons learned by Eddie. Eddie learned this from his fourth stop in heaven and meets marguerite, his wife for many years. Marguerite passed away to cancer at the age of forty. Eddie always loved the way marguerite threw parties for hi s birthday with the kids from the pier. Eddie never lost his love for Marguerite. Eddie spent his time loving and cuddling marguerite. The way I connect to this is in grade two my great grandpa passed away. I still miss him and wish I could hear some his stories now that I could understand what he was talking about.â€Å"No sacrifice is too small† is a lesson learned by Eddie at his second stop in heaven with the captain. Eddie lost all contact with the people from the war. Eddie was captured by Philippine’s and kept in a cell and forced to mine coal to help the Philippine’s win the war. The captain uses his example of going to scout ahead around a corner when he steps on a land mine. The way I relate to this is very unpractical but still had a use to my situation. I was playing air soft and sacrifice myself by going and scouting ahead and I ended up setting off a claymore and interrupted the ambush and my team was able to eliminate the other team and win. "All lives are connected† is a lesson learned by Eddie when he meets the blue man. Eddie is playing baseball with his friends when the ball crosses the road and Eddie runs to get it and cuts off a vehicle, who has to swerve and crashes, to grab the baseball. The blue man was blue from overdosing silver nitrate which turned him blue. When Eddie went to heaven he was confused and didn’t know who the blue man was. The way I connect to this is when I was playing baseball and I hit the ball over my fence and ran to get it and cut a car off and it slammed on the breaks and just about rolled.Overall the novel â€Å"the five people you meet in heaven† teaches many great lessons to its readers. The three most important lessons are â€Å"Lost love is still love†, â€Å"No sacrifice is too small†, and â€Å"All lives are connected†. The part about the story that I liked the most was when Eddie went to the captain in heaven and brought back the memories about the war. In the end, the novel taught me that heaven isn’t all what you think it is.

Panipat Cotton

The slump in cotton price from Rs 4,800 per quintal last season to around Rs 4,000 this season has become a blessing in disguise for Panipat-based home textile exporters. It is helping them to contain their input cost by around 5 to 6 per cent. Home-grown textile companies have increased their trade volumes and are passing this margin to consumers in Latin America, Middle East and African markets.Pawan Kumar, a Sonipat-based innovative farmer dealing in cotton said, â€Å"Last season, we had sold our cotton at around Rs 4,600 per quintal to around Rs 4,900 per quintal. But, in current season, the return has been in the range of Rs 3,900 to Rs 4,100 per quintal, down by around 20 per cent. † JUMP IN VOLUME Prem Sagar VI], president of Panipat Exporters Association said, â€Å"The export market of Panipat has been hit by around Rs 1,000 crore in last financial year due to the Euro Zone crisis. This sliding cotton prices are giving us (textile exporters) tab our input ost by aro und 5 to 6 per cent. However, lowering price of cotton does not result in increasing the profitability of the Panipat home textile exporters. He said that overseas clients are well aware about this new development in the domestic market as they do while following the rupee- dollar convertibility. â€Å"It is helping us to compete against Pakistani and Bangladeshi products (which are cheaper than Indian home textile products by around 15 per cent to even 20 per cent in some cases) and we are able to dent in their market, especially in Venezuela,Panama, Brazil, IJAE, Syria, South Africa. These are the major countries which have shown interest in pursuing business with us this year by shifting their loyalty from Pakistan and Bangladesh. † Prem Sagar VIJ said that these markets have the potential to generate around Rs 500 crore-Rs 600 crore per annum (around 15 per cent of the net export turnover in 2012)

The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline - Questions

'The Orphan Train' by Christina Baker Kline - Questions The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline moves back and forth between two stories that of a young orphan girl in the early twentieth century and that of a teenager in the modern-day foster care system. As such, book clubs that read this book have the opportunity to discuss American history, foster care issues or the relationships between characters in this particular novel. Choose among these discussion questions as you decide which threads are most interesting for your group to discuss more deeply. Spoiler Warning: Some of these questions reveal details from the end of the novel. Finish the book before reading on. Questions AboutThe Orphan Train The prolog gives away many of the details of Vivians life, such as when her parents died and the fact that her true love would die when she was 23. Did you remember these details as you read the novel? Do you think the prolog adds something important to the story?In many ways, the main story in this book is Vivians; however, the novels opening and closing chapters are in Spring Harbor in 2011 and contain Mollys story. Why do you think the author chose to frame the novel with Mollys experience?Were you more connected to one thread of the story the past or present, Vivians or Mollys? Do you think moving back and forth between time and the two stories added something to the novel that would have been missing if it was one linear story? Or do you think it detracted from the main narrative?Had you heard of the orphan trains before reading this novel? Do you think there were benefits to the system? What were the downsides that the novel highlighted?Compare and contrast Vivians experiences with Mollys. What are some ways that the current foster care system still needs to improve? Do you think any system could deal with the hole provided when a child loses his or her parents (either through death or neglect)? Molly and Vivian each held on to a necklace linking them to their cultural heritage even though their early experiences within those cultures were not entirely positive. Discuss why you think heritage is (or is not) important to personal identity.Does molly complete a portage project for school answering the questions, What did you choose to bring with you to the next place? What did you leave behind? What insights did you gain about whats important? (131). Take some time as a group to share your own experiences moving and how you would answer these questions personally.Did you think Vivian and Mollys relationship was believable?Why do you think Vivian chose to give up her baby? Vivian says of herself, I was a coward. I was selfish and afraid (251). Do you think thats true?Why do you think Vivian eventually takes Molly up on her offer to help her reconnect with her daughter? Do you think that learning the truth about Maisie had an impact on her decision?Why do you think Vivians story helps Molly experience more peace and closure with her own? Rate The Orphan Train on a scale of 1 to 5. The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline was published in April 2013Publisher: William Morrow288 Pages

Discover The Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov

Discover The Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov Anton Chekhov is known for brilliant, full-length plays, yet in his younger years he fancied writing short, one-act comedies like The Marriage Proposal. Filled with wit, irony, and brilliantly developed and impassioned characters, this three-person play shows the young playwright at his best. The Comedies of Anton Chekhov Anton Chekhovs full-length masterpieces may be considered comedies, yet they are filled with dour moments, failed loves, and sometimes even death. This is especially true in his play The Seagull a comedic drama which ends with a suicide. Although other plays such as Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard do not culminate in such an explosive resolution, a feeling of hopelessness permeates each of Chekhovs plays. This is a sharp contrast to some of his more jovial one-act comedies. The Marriage Proposal, for example, is a delightful farce that could have ended very darkly, but the playwright instead maintains its energetic whimsy, concluding in a successful albeit combative engagement. The Characters of A Marriage Proposal The main character, Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov, is a heavy-set man in his mid-thirties, prone to anxiety, stubbornness, and hypochondria. These flaws are further amplified because he becomes a nervous wreck when he tries to propose marriage. Stepan Stephanovitch Chubukov owns land next to Ivan. A man in his early seventies, he gladly grants permission to Ivan, but soon calls off the engagement when an argument over property ensues. His chief concerns are maintaining his wealth and keeping his daughter happy. Natalya Stepanovna is the female lead in this three-person play. She can be jovial and welcoming, yet stubborn, proud and possessive, just like her male counterparts. Plot Summary of A Marriage Proposal The play is set in the  rural countryside of Russia during the late 1800s. When Ivan arrives at the home of the Chubukov family, the elderly Stepan assumes that the well-dressed young man has come to borrow money. Instead, Stepan is pleased when Ivan asks for his daughters hand in marriage. Stepan whole-heartedly bestows his blessing, declaring that he already loves him like a son. The old man then leaves to fetch his daughter, assuring the younger man that Natalya will graciously accept the proposal. While alone, Ivan delivers a soliloquy, explaining his high level of nervousness, as well as a number of physical ailments that have recently plagued his daily life. This monologue sets up everything that unfolds next. Everything is going well when Natalya first enters the room. They chat pleasantly about the weather and agriculture. Ivan attempts to bring up the subject of marriage by first stating how he has known her family since childhood. As he touches upon his past, he mentions his familys ownership of the Oxen Meadows. Natalya stops the conversation to clarify. She believes that her family has always owned the meadows, and this disagreement ignites a caustic debate, one that sends tempers flaring and Ivans heart palpitating. After they yell at each other, Ivan feels dizzy and tries to calm himself down and change the subject back to matrimony, only to get immersed in the argument yet again. Natalyas father joins the battle, siding with his daughter, and angrily demanding that Ivan leave at once. As soon as Ivan is gone, Stepan reveals that the young man has planned to propose to Natalya. Shocked and apparently desperate to be married, Natalya insists that her father bring him back. Once Ivan has returned, she tries to bend the subject toward romance. However, instead of discussing marriage, they begin to argue over which of their dogs is the better hound. This seemingly innocuous topic launches into yet another heated argument. Finally, Ivans heart cannot take it anymore and he flops down dead. At least thats what Stepan and Natalya believe for a moment. Fortunately, Ivan breaks out of his fainting spell and regains his senses enough for him to propose to Natalya. She accepts, but before the curtain falls, they return to their old argument regarding who owns the better dog. In short, The Marriage Proposal is a delightful gem of a comedy. It makes one wonder why so much of Chekhovs full-length plays (even the ones labeled as comedies) seem so thematically heavy. The Silly and the Serious Sides of Chekhov So, why is The Marriage Proposal so whimsical whereas his full-length plays are realistic? One reason that may account for the silliness found in this one-act is that The Marriage Proposal was first performed in 1890  when Chekhov was just entering his thirties and still in relatively good health. When he wrote his famous comedy-dramas his illness (tuberculosis) had more severely affected him. Being a physician, Chekhov must have known that he was nearing the end of his life, thereby casting a shade over The Seagull and the other plays. Also, during his more prolific years as a playwright, Anton Chekhov traveled more and beheld many impoverished, marginalized people of Russia, including inmates of a penal colony. The Marriage Proposal is a humorous microcosm of marital unions among the Russian upper class in late 19th century Russia.   This was Chekhovs world during his late 20s. As he became more worldly, his interests in others outside the middle classes increased. Plays such as Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard feature an ensemble of characters from many different economic classes, from the wealthiest to the most impoverished. Finally, one must consider the influence of Constantin Stanislavski, a theater director who would become one of the most important figures in modern theater. His dedication to bringing a naturalistic quality to drama may have further inspired Chekhov to write less silly plays, much to the chagrin of theater-goers who like their comedies broad, loud, and full of slapstick.

How to Use Harry Potter to Learn German

How to Use Harry Potter to Learn German You can use Harry Potter to magically improve your German. The books and audiobooks are available in German, translated by Klaus Fritz. The books are popular in German-speaking countries and are readily available through Amazon.com and other booksellers. Print and Audiobook Versions of Harry Potter One reader bought the book and audiobook and read them together to learn pronunciation and rhythm. She often looked up unfamiliar words and phrases in a dictionary.  She said that listening to the audiobook the first time was a torrential blur of German. But after a few times, the words became distinct and soon the story emerged. She began reading the page aloud right after hearing it to improve her pronunciation. Harry Potter Audiobooks (Hà ¶rbà ¼cher) One of the attractions of the German Harry Potter books is the audio. Narrator Rufus Beck has won praise for his lively reading of the Potter books in German. Listeners say they are enticed to listen to them over and over again, and repetition is very good for learning. Just as the repetition of the Harry Potter tapes has made my speech in German class somewhat less stilted and hesitant. Harry Potter Titles in German The print books are available in electronic versions for the Kindle reader and app and as audiobooks through Amazon.com and Audible.com Harry Potter und der Stein der Weisen - The German edition of book one: The Sorcerers Stone, aka The Philosophers StoneHarry Potter und die Kammer des Schreckens - The second book in the series, The Chamber of Secrets.Harry Potter und der Gefangene von Askaban - Book three in the series: The Prisoner of AzkabanHarry Potter und der Feuerkelch - The fourth book in the series, The Goblet of Fire.Harry Potter und der Orden des Phà ¶nix - The German version of the fifth book in the series was published on Nov. 8, 2003.Harry Potter und der Halbblutprinz - The German version of the sixth book (Half-Blood Prince) in the series was published on Oct. 1, 2005.Harry Potter und die Heiligtà ¼mer des Todes - The German version of the seventh and final book. Names/Namenin German vs. English Harry Potter Books Most of the names for people - first and last - in the German Harry Potter books have been left in their original English form. Even Albus Dumbledore,  Voldemort, and Severus Snape  keep their original names in German.  However, for some reason â€Å"Aunt Marge† becomes â€Å"Tante Magda† or â€Å"Maggie† - even though Marge is a form of Margaret, and Magda is short for Magdalene. Any other name changes are usually minor: â€Å"Hermione† becomes â€Å"Hermine† in German. But the character named â€Å"Wormtail† is called â€Å"Wurmschwanz† in German - a logical and literal translation, Street names are translated fairly directly. â€Å"Privet Drive† becomes Ligusterweg in German (Liguster privet, a bush, genus Ligustrum, used for hedges). But the mythical â€Å"Diagon Alley† becomes Winkelgasse (â€Å"angle lane†) and the play on words of the original is lost. English-German Harry Potter Glossary This list compares words and expressions with keys to the hardcover editions. The sample sentences illustrate everyday vocabulary, as well as terms related to the books. Key:English, with hardcover volume/page (1/p4)Deutsch/German with Band/Seite (1/S9) yell at s.o/bawl s.o. out jdn. zur Schnecke machenhe yelled at five different people (1/p4)er machte fà ¼nf verschiedene Leute zur Schnecke (1/S8) stop dead wie angewurzelt stehenbleibenMr. Dursley stopped dead (1/p4)Mr. Dursley blieb wie angewurzelt stehen (1/S8) snap at s.o. jdn. anfauchenhe snapped at his secretary (1/p4)er fauchte seine Sekretrin an (1/S9) mantel/mantelpiece der KaminsimsOnly the photographs on the mantelpiece showed him how much time had passed. (1/p18)Nur die Fotos auf dem Kaminsims fà ¼hrten einem vor Augen, wie viel Zeit verstrichen war. (1/S24) booger der Popelâ€Å"Urgh - troll boogers.† (1/p177) »Uh, Troll-Popel. « (1/S194) argument der StreitNot for the first time, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number 4, Privet Drive. (2/p1)Im Ligusterweg Nummer 4 war mal wieder bereits beim Frà ¼hstà ¼ck Streit ausgebrochen. (2/S?) scar die NarbeIt was this scar that made Harry so particularly unusual, even for a wizard. (2/p4)Diese Narbe machte Harry sogar in der Welt der Zauberer zu etwas ganz Besonderem. (2/S?) dinner jacket der Smokingâ€Å"Right - Im off into town to pick up the dinner jackets for Dudley and me.† (2/p7) »Gut - ich fahr in die Stadt und hol die Smokings fà ¼r mich und Dudley ab. « (2/S?) peer intently konzentriert schauenAunt Petunia, who was bony and horse-faced, whipped around and peered intently out of the kitchen window. (3/p16)Tante Petunia, knochig und pferdegesichtig, wirbelte herum und schaute konzentriert aus dem Kà ¼chenfenster. (3/S?) put up with, tolerate ertragenHarry knew perfectly well that Dudley only put up with Aunt Marges hugs because he was well paid for it... (3/p22)Harry wusste genau, dass Dudley Tante Magdas Umarmungen nur ertrug, weil er dafà ¼r gut bezahlt wurde. (3/S?) odd, weird; diagonal schrgâ€Å"Always thought he was odd,† she told the eagerly listening villagers, after her fourth sherry. (4/p2) »Mir ist er immer schrg vorgekommen «, verkà ¼ndete sie nach dem vierten Glas Sherry den begierig lauschenden Dà ¶rflern. (4/S?) let s.o. go jmdn. laufen lassenAs there was no proof that the Riddles had been murdered at all, the police were forced to let Frank go. (4/p4)Da ein Mord an den Riddles nicht zu beweisen war, musste die Polizei Frank laufen lassen. (4/S?)

What Is The Relationship Between Whiteness And Racism Effects of Essay

What Is The Relationship Between Whiteness And Racism Effects of Racism and Sexism. Binary Logic of Race - Essay Example Western society has a shameful and recent legacy of slavery and is a country stratified by race, gender and class. For some, like renowned African American author, scholar and social activist, bell hooks, the United States is a country with a strong tradition of institutionalized racism which permeates all aspects of modern America society (see hooks' Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism, 1981). Importantly as well, the United Kingdom has a colonial legacy in which racist ideas about civilisation governed its colonial conquests. For many in the UK as well as in the United States, racism is an ever-present aspect of the social condition and is built upon a rigid social code, a white/black binary which has its roots in a belief that whiteness is superior to all other types of skin tones. The following will explore racism today and the relationship between whiteness and race in modern society.... variety of factors can account for this disparity, low birth weight remains the most prominent cause of a higher infant mortality rate amongst black babies. In fact, black babies in America have a 300% greater likelihood of being born with a low birthrate relative to their white counterparts. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found a variety of socio-economic causes for the phenomenon of low birth weight, including poverty, poor nutrition, a lack of knowledge about pregnancy and the challenges associated with it, and access to proper medical facilities. The disparity in black-white successful birth ratios in America thus can be attributed to social forces and socio-economic differences amongst black and white Americans (Carmichal and Iyasu, 1998; Kogan, 1997) Binary Logic of Race The binary logic of race is inherently hierarchical and people of mixed racial parentage or individuals who are bi-racial are somewhere in-between the artificial and socially constructed binary so pervasive in modern American society. How do mulatto people identify within the rigid constraints of the racial binary How is racial identity redefined by individuals who, through no fault of the own, do not fit into the supposedly neat and compact racial categories society seeks to impose on them Most importantly, how are people who are mulatto freed from the binary concept of race and how do these people define their own unique racial identities Seeking to answer these questions and further analyze the social construction of identity today, this essay will discuss readings from Reddy, Walker, Senna and Williams with an eye to the social construction of race and racial identity. The specific focus will be on how the artificial binaries of race and race hierarchy are navigated and

Visual Arts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Visual Arts - Essay Example In this visual report, I would be comparing and contrasting 2 ancient vases to learn about them and get a better understanding of the same. The first piece of art is a ceramic amphora dating back to c. 540 BCE. This amphora was of Greek origin and had the painting of Dionysos with a pair of Maenads that was created by Amasis Painter. I chose to visualize and describe this particular vase because of its captivating contrast of colors of rich cream contrasted with black. The vase itself had a smooth fluidity in relation to its height and size which compelled me to use it as my visual art piece. The second piece of art that I had chosen to compare and contrast is a Korean Maebyeong Bottle that was decorated with a spray of bamboo in addition to a Plum tree in blossom. The reason for choosing this vase was because I liked the delicate painting which was done in a dull olive green which was so pretty and soothing to my eyes. The Greek amphora had a height of 13† (33.3cms) and was fr om the Bibliotheque National, Paris. The contour of the vase’s body was gorgeously decorated with the figures of the Greek God of Wine, Dionysos featured on the left sporting a beard and holding a wine glass in his hand, while the two Maenads, were to the right, and clad in 2 dark garments which were intricately detailed in presentation. One of the Maenads was seen holding a hare, while the other held a deer. On a closer look I also saw that each of them held a sprig of ivy between their fingers. The technique used here was contrasting dark figures against a light background. The pale green vase was created during the late 12th and early 13th century and belonged to the Goryeo dynasty. This art piece which I found quite attractive was basically an inlaid celadon ware which had a light background of grayish stoneware, that had an inlaid decoration of black and white slips, hidden under the celadon glaze. The technique which was formerly invented by the Chinese was used for thi s vase. This technique became a Korean specialty that enhanced the beauty of the vase to a great extent. This beautiful art piece had a height of 13† and a quarter (33.7cms) and is housed in the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo, Japan. (The Arts of Korea, pg. 369) My analysis of the first vase which was a vessel used by the Greeks, was based on the decorative style which was bold as it was contrasting. I really liked the way the artist contrasted dark figures with a soft background. The spiral designs were aesthetically arranged so as to frame the composition and enable the viewer to focus on the figures in the center. I was also quite attracted to the border patterns of grape leaves both at the bottom and top of the vase which served to bring a uniqueness to this art piece, by making it all the more attractive. 3 My analysis of the second vase with the bamboo decoration was that it had the influence of Chinese ceramics because of its appearance. On closer scrutiny I found that the vase was embellished with inlaid decoration of both bamboo and plum blossoms which contrasted against each other thus making the design to stand out and be noticed. The contrasting came from an under-glaze design from slips of black and white that was made from clay which was ground finely. This seemed to be a special technique used by the potters which is what made this art piece so unique in its design. In the Greek vase, the element that kept recurring was the use of dark figures that was framed with circular designs and borders to offset the composition. In the Korean amphora, the recurring element that was made use of was the inlaying of dark and white strips that were glazed to give it a unique appearance. In comparison to each other, each of the vases had its own unique style of art

The library research essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The library research - Essay Example Considering the ages that play video games, teenagers are worst affected in terms of time taken, and research has shown that most of the teenagers take about average of 4-5 hours a day; thus, in most cases, the parents dislike video games since they are considered the facilitating factor for laziness on children. Video games are addictive just like drugs do, it makes those addicted especially the teenagers to abscond most of the important activities in the day, without guidance, it can destructive but can be beneficial to the players if considered carefully. There is a significant contribution of spatial reasoning in education, and there is a connection between those children that are good in spatial reasoning and there performance in IQ tests. In this regard, those children who have good spatial skills do excel in geometry and demonstrates good mental manipulation and navigation skills. In terms of gender, girls are considered not to easily adapt to spatial reasoning growth compared to boys, improvement of spatial reasoning is enhanced by playing video games, in this case, the skills required to play the game that also involves manipulation and anticipation of the objects, which eventually improves the skills of spatial reasoning (Anderson, Douglas, and Katherine 45). Furthermore, there is a special skill acquired through critical thinking, with critical thinking, one is able to master concepts rather than just memorize those concepts. Critical thinking is very important in making insights in technical subjects like engineering, math, science, and even humanities, in the playing of the video games, there are novels of problems that are presented to the person playing the game and needs a split of a second to solve (Anderson, Douglas, and Katherine 49). In this case, the gamers will have to learn how to think quickly and in several ways within a short time, the same speedy solution to a problem by provision of many options is transferred to other real life situ ation and the teenagers that play such video games have high chances of sharpening the critical thinking. In addition, the fact that video games are designed to be more realistic and the concern that it might increase violent activities is not true, as most of the video games today have been used to pass specific knowledge and have dominated teaching in institution. Simulation using video games are today used in surgery schools and can pass important information to the teenager who wants to acquire specific skills like surgery. There is also a sense of rehabilitation that comes with video game playing, for instance, there is a 13-year-old boy who suffered Erb’s palsy noticed remarkable improvement on how to control his arms after video games play (Bissell 32). Additionally, there is a false stereotype that is given to those who play video games, they are described as those who are antisocial and cannot lose an eye off the screen, this position is not true because the contempo rary video games are designed in a way that it helps in solving problem and complete tasks. There is the sense of building social skills especially those who are introverted; they get a solace from the video games that provide a stress free way for social interaction

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

The war - Essay Example The period between the first gulf war in 1990s and the second in early 2000 has witnessed many changes in the military. The changes include application of more advanced technology and overhaul of tactical approaches, transformations that have achieved mixed results. This paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of applying United States’ advanced military technology in Iraq and Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan is one of the major United States military offensives aimed at destroying the terrorists’ hideouts that had inflicted heavy damages on American interest around the globe. Iraq war was launched to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein accused by the government of possessing weapons of mass destruction with intention of using them to spread terror. Both wars were executed with highly sophisticated weapons that allowed the United States forces to demolish the enemy defenses with high precision aerial weaponry and at unprecedented rate. The quick demolition and annihilation of strategic enemy areas enabled subsequent entrance of the ground forces into the countries to finish off the remaining resistance (DOD, 2007). According to Anne(2004,p15), the execution of both wars heralded a new era of military tactics, which heavily relied on technologically enhanced devices in carrying out of both aerial and ground combat. This strategy was more precise, faster, and resulted to lower number of military and civilian casualties. DOD (2007) noted that the war strategy in both wars was culmination of coordination high technology military hardware with enhanced communication devices that enabled them to strike with pinpoint precision. The war in Afghanistan witnessed the first application of robots that were used to carry out surveillance, clearance of mines, identification of targets and rescuing soldiers. The robots included Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) that undertook the aforementioned tasks without carrying human operator in them (David, 2005, p2 7). These robots helped in protecting soldiers from enemy attacks. According to David (2005, p 28), advanced technology has produced better robots that are equipped with high precision equipment and artillery to strike detected target. The 2003 war in Iraq saw a combination of precision weapons, exemplary surveillance of the targeted enemy grounds, and swift ground combatants aided by highly advanced communication network that enabled monitoring of distant operations from a remote region (DOD, 2007). Though the application of advanced military technology enabled quicker executions of the mission, the war has dragged on for many years, resulting to heavy economic and human loss. According to DOD (2007), the number of United States troops killed in both Iraq and Afghanistan exceeds those killed in actual combat at the beginning of the war. Anne (2004, p31) notes that threat of improvised explosive devices or roadside bombs continue inflicting damage on American forces. According to DO D (2007), the explosive devices have killed over 2000 American soldiers in Iraq, while more than 21,000 have suffered debilitating injuries that have effectively compromised their physical and psychological performance for life. In Afghanistan, the improvised explosive devices have claimed lives of over 250 American soldiers, with over 1,700 suffering serious injuries (DOD, 2007). Anne (2004, p21) notes that the explosive devices are the highest killer of the Allied forces in both countries and they have greatly undermined the efforts achieved the application of the advanced military technology. However, continuous innovation in the American military has produced mine- resistant ambush –protected all terrain vehicle(M-ATV) that offers better protection from roadside bombs than the heavier mine- resistant- ambush-

What is meant by transaction costs and what part do they play in our Essay

What is meant by transaction costs and what part do they play in our understanding of the reasons for the existence of firms - Essay Example Coase’s theory that the transaction costs form the economic groundwork for all firms, thus becoming the sole reason for the existence of any organisation within marketplace, however has met with a number of contradictions. Many economists contend that existence of firms is not solely dependent on transaction costs. Other abilities (like being able to handle large variety of resources)   are of great advantage to any firm, especially in the context of new technologies, which create various opportunities where the organisation can improve their production values and increase their revenues, where the earned benefits accumulate to ‘start-ups,’ capable of creating more contemporary firms (  Alchian, and Demsetz, 1972, 777-795). Thus here the basic question is: does Coase’s theory on transaction costs present a holistic view on explaining why firms exist? In  economics,  transaction cost  refers to the expenditure  incurred while making a financial exchange, which can be stated as the cost incurred when one wishes to participate in a market. Humans by nature are social animals and tend to group together to conduct their various daily affairs, conducting business being one of them. Bartering is also another basic human nature, and this is most evident in marketplaces, where individuals tend to seek the best bargain by competing with their opponents (Maynard, 1982). Markets are organised social spaces for conducting such businesses or exchange of items and have been in vogue from the ancient times. Right from its origin there has been two forms of market: external market, where trade took place between communities, located at long distances from each other; and internal market, which is located within a particular society or community (Swedberg, 2005, 234-235). The producers gather here for gaining more customers;

Features Of The Ancient African Art Research Paper - 2

Features Of The Ancient African Art - Research Paper Example The book talks about the cultural belief behind the costume. The locals or indigenous members of the Kuba community believe that in order for life to be balanced you have to connect with the ancestors, therefore; the costume assists them in the connection. The book emphases that like in many African cultures death is a natural event and is characterized as a rite of passage, therefore, these costumes are designed for such events and rites of passage in the society. The Bwoom is a very iconic and symbolic artifact from the Kuba community. It represents a sign of royalty from the society. The mask assists the masquerade element to act out in its design and appearance. This aspect gives us an overview of the origin of the Kuba Kingdom, therefore; it will act as an archive for the history of this unique community in this globe1. This particular mask is named Bwoom because it is like a cornerstone of the community. This is a special mask in the community and it is different from any other mask ever used in the community. It is the only mask not used in funerals or any other sorrowful event in the community. During joyful occasions such as harvests and weddings, the males would be the mask on the forehead and see-through, the holes under the nose of the mask while dancing the. When people whore the mask in any occasion they would cover all parts of their bodies to give a real representation of the spirit. The picture below shows a Bwoom Helmet. The mask the will act as an exhibit dedicated to the tourist and researchers who are interested in the African culture. Including the artwork in the museum is also reflective of the shift of the ethnologists in western culture to view African cultures as diverse and complementary to other cultures.

What is meant by transaction costs and what part do they play in our Essay

What is meant by transaction costs and what part do they play in our understanding of the reasons for the existence of firms - Essay Example Coase’s theory that the transaction costs form the economic groundwork for all firms, thus becoming the sole reason for the existence of any organisation within marketplace, however has met with a number of contradictions. Many economists contend that existence of firms is not solely dependent on transaction costs. Other abilities (like being able to handle large variety of resources)   are of great advantage to any firm, especially in the context of new technologies, which create various opportunities where the organisation can improve their production values and increase their revenues, where the earned benefits accumulate to ‘start-ups,’ capable of creating more contemporary firms (  Alchian, and Demsetz, 1972, 777-795). Thus here the basic question is: does Coase’s theory on transaction costs present a holistic view on explaining why firms exist? In  economics,  transaction cost  refers to the expenditure  incurred while making a financial exchange, which can be stated as the cost incurred when one wishes to participate in a market. Humans by nature are social animals and tend to group together to conduct their various daily affairs, conducting business being one of them. Bartering is also another basic human nature, and this is most evident in marketplaces, where individuals tend to seek the best bargain by competing with their opponents (Maynard, 1982). Markets are organised social spaces for conducting such businesses or exchange of items and have been in vogue from the ancient times. Right from its origin there has been two forms of market: external market, where trade took place between communities, located at long distances from each other; and internal market, which is located within a particular society or community (Swedberg, 2005, 234-235). The producers gather here for gaining more customers;

New York Times Annotated Bibliography Essay Example for Free

New York Times Annotated Bibliography Essay 6 September, 2008. â€Å"U. S. Jobless Rate Rises Past 6%, Highest Since ‘03. † Uchitelle, Louis. New York Times. This article informs about the fact that the unemployment rate reached its highest level since 2003; causing workers to worry about the fact that many of them will be jobless and also centers on the high unemployment rate became one of the centers of the presidential debates. This article relates to our course since it suggests how unemployment can affect the economy as a whole and how inflation impacts the job status of a society. The article is also relevant to our course because it also gives the opinion of both McCain and Obama on the unemployment escalation and gives a glimpse of what both candidates would do about it. 9 September, 2008. â€Å"Who Else Can Pile on for a Federal Rescue? † Schwartz, Nelson D. New York Times. This article informs about the federal rescue of the companies Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The article also informs about the automakers worries and the bailout plans that Washington D. C. has proposed to help automakers out of the same financial crunch. It further opens a debate of whether or not we should allow companies to fail or if we should bail them out as has been proposed by some. This article relates to our course since it suggests that in our market economy we should be realistic enough to realize that at times companies do fail and that economic bail out plans are good as a quick fix but they fall short in the long term. Often we like to think that big business is above the common failings, but as we see from the recent events, big business is no longer an elite thing. It is just what it has always been, businesses that have been built over years with the hard work of the owners. Big business is no different then the small company and in this tough economic times this is spelled out clearly. 13 September, 2008. â€Å"Off the Charts: The Return of the Misery Index. † Norris, Floyd. New York Times. This article informs about the â€Å"misery index†. The misery index is the sum of the inflation rate and the unemployment rate over the preceding 12 months. The misery rate hasn’t been seen since the Carter administration, but yet in this year both rates have seen to be rising. The article also looks at how the misery index has risen in the past during the past presidencies. This article relates to our course since it suggests unless something is done, we are likely to not see an improvement in either the inflation rate or the unemployment rate. The article also is relevant to the course since it suggests by looking at this index we can have a very good gauge of how our economic atmosphere will fare in the coming months. 15 September, 2008. â€Å"A Video Contest To Illustrate Democracy. † Cohen, Noam. New York Times. This article informs about the International Democracy Day and the video contest that was created in conjunction with this day. The video contest offers students and people around the world the chance to say what democracy means to them. This article relates to our course since it talks about the importance of democracy on the global and business stage. Democracy is not just an American concept but one that transcends our country. The article also talks about the companies that are helping with this contest. The companies include NBC and YouTube. The partnership between these companies act as a hallmark for all of us because they are showing that everyone from all walks of life cars about democracy and through democracy we can work together. 18 September, 2008. â€Å"As Fears Grow, Wall St. Titans See Shares Fall. † White, Ben and Dash, Eric. Contributed reporting by Sorokin, Andrew R. New York Times. This article informs about the failing of Wall Street titans like Morgan Stanely and Goldman Sachs. The fear that other company could face the same fate as these giants has spread through Wall Street in the last few months. It is estimated that globally there are losses in the 100 billions as far as stocks are concerned. This article relates to our course since it suggests that the failure of investment firms such as Morgan Stanley affects not only the market here in the United States but also has an impact on the global market as well. We tend to forget when we think about our own economic bad times, that other countries the world over are also experiencing the same economic crunch. 23 September, 2008. â€Å"With Politics in the Air, a Freedom Free-for-All Comes to Town. † Cotter, Holland. New York Times. This article informs about an art exhibit that was going on at the Park Avenue Armory during the middle of September. This exhibit is a tongue-in-cheek look at the political system and demonstrates the true meaning of democracy: the right for people to express their views, no matter how differently they do it, and to show other people a different side to every subject. The art exhibit used speeches, music and silly hats to give people another side to the political elections. This article relates to our course since it suggests that elections and democracy can be talked about in a completely non-partisan, non-electoral but still intensely political way. People who went to the exhibit also got a first hand look at how the freedoms of our country allow for people to express themselves in the ways that they want to, which is what democracy is all about. 25 September, 2008. â€Å"Criticizing Capitalism From the Pulpit. † Pfanner, Eric. New York Times. This article informs about how even religious leaders have joined the crusade in criticizing America’s rogue style of capitalism. World religious leaders have taken the fall of Wall Street icons and used that as a means for criticizing the cowboy style of economics that America has been globally portrayed to utilize. This article relates to our course since it suggests that even a pulpit is a place where economics and business standards can be discussed from. Religion is as far from economics as one can get yet this article clearly shows that the global economics pictures is something that is on everyone’s mind, no matter where they live or what they do. We tend to forget that all things are connected and this article clearly shows us that everything in life is connected and has a more far reaching affect then we first may think. 1 October, 2008. â€Å"Brother, Can You Spare a Loan? † Tarquino, J. Alex. New York Times. This article informs about the credit crisis that the small business and individuals have faced in the last few months. The article also talks about the speculation of many in the business world that the escalation towards the credit crisis will only get worse and will eventually be the death of the small businessman. The article ends by saying that the saddest day for America will be the day that small business does die in this country. This article relates to our course since it suggests that in these frightening economic times we could see the end of the small business. American was founded on the ideals that anyone could make their dreams come true and if the credit crisis totally obliterates the small business it will be a sad day indeed for America. 3 October, 2008. â€Å"As Economy Weakens, Federal Reserve Officials Consider Lowering Rates. † Andrews, Edmund L. New York Times. This article informs about the Federal Reserve’s feelings on the Bush administrations economic bailout plan. According to the Fed, even if the bail out is approved it is too little to late and will do hardly nothing to stop the economic slow down from happening. The reason, in the Fed’s eyes, is that financial institutions are fearful of lending out cash and making bad investments. This article relates to our course since it suggests that the economic slow down affects everyone in our economic atmosphere. It also allows people to see how the Federal Reserve is interpreting what is happening so that the average citizen can gauge what they should do in this economic turmoil. 4 October, 2008. â€Å"End of an Era on Wall Street: Goodbye to All That. † Arango, Tim and Creswell, Julie. New York Times. This article informs about theft of a bronze bust of a saloon owner on Hanover Street. The saloon was a frequent favorite of Wall Street execs and the theft happened just as Wall Street was swept up in the financial whirlwind of economic troubles. This article isn’t about a theft of a statue, but more indicative of the times that we are living in when someone would take a well loved art piece, bound with tradition, to perhaps make a quick buck. This article relates to our course since it suggests that the traditions and ideals of Wall Street are slowly falling by the wayside as the economic crunch gets tighter. Wall Street has always been steeped in economic traction, but the theft of this well loved art piece shows that even tradition can be trampled in the hopes of making some money to pay your bills. 12 October, 2008. â€Å"Finance Students Keep Their Job Hopes Alive. † Leland, John. Contributed Reporting by Fairbanks, Amanda M. ; Koppel, Niko; and Zezima, Katie. New York Times. This article informs about the current job outlook for those who are thinking of making finance a possible career. The article talks about how for many business majors law school seems a viable option now more then ever. Others look at the current economic situation as just something they shouldn’t worry about since they have already figured that they will change jobs five or six times in their careers. This article relates to our course since as people who have made business our major (or for those who this is a first class and they haven’t made up their minds on this as a major) it is important to take a look at the job outlook that we will have to look forward to in the coming years. 14 October, 2008. â€Å"Commodity Prices Tumble. † Krauss, Clifford. New York Times. This article informs about how the global financial panic and economic slowdown has lead an end to the commodity bull market that we have seen in the last seven years. This ending of the commodity market has sent prices on the raw ingredients (such as oil) of the world economy tumbling to an all time low. This article relates to our course since it suggests that we don’t just have economic worries here in the United States, but that other countries are also worried about the current state of the economic situation. The United States is part of a broader wide sweeping world economy and the economic slowdown is not just affecting things here at home but also globally. This article clearly gives the reader a better idea of how the United States fits into the broader global economy. In our own economic hard times we tend forget that we are not alone, but are facing the same issues that other countries are. 19 October, 2008. â€Å"The Guys From ‘Government Sachs’. † Creswell, Julie and White, Ben. New York Times. This article informs about how Treasury secretary Paulson used his former firm of Goldman Sachs as a means to investigate what was happening on Wall Street prior to the financial difficulties. It also raises eyebrows and speculates about the amount of participation Goldman Sachs is being perceived to have in the Treasury Department. This article relates to our course since it speculates on corporate interference in a governmental department. In the world economics, such speculation is something that we have to watch carefully so that the economic system is not stained in anyway. When companies interfere with the running of government departments, it makes all actions that have sprung out of that suspect. By bringing Goldman Sachs into the Treasury, Paulson has created a suspicious circumstance that we all should learn from. That above all else is what should be learned from this article. 22 October, 2008. â€Å"China, an Engine of Growth, Faces a Global Slump. † Yardley, Jim and Bradsher, Keith. New York Times. This article informs about the slump in economic level of China. Always seen as the world’s workshop, the threat of global recession has many wondering if the prevailing Communist Party has the wherewithal to stop the further economic decline of China. The article makes a nice point in saying that China is the world economy gauge for how the economic slowdown will eventually affect everyone. This article relates to our course since it informs on how one country is dealing with the long reaching effects of the global financial slowdown. It is interesting to see how one country is going to deal with this global issue because then other countries have a blueprint by which to also take action. 28 October, 2008. â€Å"Denmark Is Rethinking It’s Spurning of the Euro. † Dougherty, Carter. New York Times. This article informs about looking closely at one country and the effect that the global financial situation has on it. Denmark, a country formerly against the euro, now is rethinking things because of the ice cold credit situations of the banks of Denmark. As it stands now a bare majority of Danes do back the adoption of the Euro. This article relates to our course since it suggests that countries that were previously opposed to a financial idea may now have to rethink their opposition as the global economy faces this slowdown. Every country has to figure out ways in which they are going to deal with the global financial crunch. It also relates to this class because it shows us how as a global economy we are all in the same boat. 29 October, 2008. â€Å"Paterson Sees a Budget Gap $47 Billion. † Hakim, Danny and Peters, Jeremy W. New York Times. This article informs about the deficit that the state of New York is facing and the loss of job in the 100,000 in the private sector. The article also suggests the ways in which the state plans on fixing the deficit. Deficits are something that we as a society have to watch carefully especially in these economically unstable times. This article relates to our course since it suggests that everyone, from the state level to the private sector, is affected by the financial crunch that is being seen globally as well as here at home. We tend to forget when we look at big businesses that the private sector is just as affected and this article gives us a glimpse into this fact. We all tend to forget that big business is run by people and people do make mistakes. 31 October, 2008. â€Å"Economy Shrinks With Consumers Leading the Way. † Goodman, Peter S. ; contributing reporting by Norris, Floyd and Zeleny, Jeff. New York Times. This article informs about how the drop in the economy is a bad precursor to the coming holiday seasons. Consumers who are being laid off and having their hours cut have less to spend this holiday season and this is being reflected in the economy more then ever. This especially hits home as we think about the upcoming holiday season, a time when consumer spending is at a high point. This article relates to our course since it shows how the economy is really a circular relationship. The consumer has to work to make money, but no job or less working hours leads to zero money to be spent. This article is important because everything in the world of business and life are interconnected and this article is a very good example of that idea. 4 November, 2008. â€Å"Wall Street’s Extreme Sport: In Modeling Risk, the Human Factor Was Left Out. † Lohr, Steve. New York Times. This article informs about how the risk models that have been used on Wall Street for years have failed due to not being applied, managed, or even understood. Technology that has been made use of on Wall Street has gotten ahead of our ability to act responsible. Often, we forget that technology is only as good as the people that run it, and as such has the capacity for many risks. This article relates to our course since it suggests that risk factors that are associated with the economic downturn come from every sector and that they have a more far reaching concern then we first thought. Risk factors are important to look at since by seeing where the risks have been in a situation, we can hopefully in the future prevent the same economic situation from happening again. 8 November, 2008. â€Å"Colleges Rich and Poor Strain to Respond in Tough Times. † Lewin, Tamar. New York Times. This article informs about how colleges are more then ever struggling to meet the financial needs of students. In the past, the majority of college students were able to fund their education through scholarships that the colleges and universities offered. In this tough economic time, that no longer looks like it will be an option. Students will have to rely more on grants (which may be just as limited), loans and paying out of pocket. This article relates to our course since it hits close to home about how the financial crisis that we are seeing everywhere even affects those of us in college. Previously, being in college meant all you had to do was study hard for finals. Now, though, even college students are feeling the economic burden. 9 November, 2008. â€Å"Remember That Capitalism is More Then a Spectator Sport. † Blinder, Alan S. New York Times. This article informs about the daunting tasks that are ahead for president elect Obama. Among these tasks are to restore a sense of fairness in and faith to our economic system. This article relates to our course since it gives a nice overview of how President-elect Obama needs to go about restoring the faith of he American people in the tattered economic system that has failed us time and again. In watching the elections, President-elect Obama made a lot of nice speeches about what he plans to do, and this article gives us a first glimpse of rather he will be successful or not. I think it is also a nice all inclusive article that sums up the ideals that we have been studying in this course.

Strategic decisions of human resource management

Strategic decisions of human resource management Introduction The intention of this report is to analyse and evaluate communication systems which impact upon strategic decisions with reference to modern-day views of human resource management within a medium sized contracting firm. Taking a look at relevant theorists views and whether they would fit in to the medium sized contracting firm model The following areas are to be analysed and considered Types of communication systems: How these impact on strategic decisions Strategic resource management overview Theorists relevant to Human resource management (HRM) How these impact on a medium contracting firm Reference is to be made specifically to theorists models (e.g., Guests 1997 model and Legge 1995) how they compare and weather they fit into the modern HR model Communication methods See Appendix 1. Within the modern working environment the problem for management and employees alike is how to select the most effective method of communicating with other individuals and groups many factors can help to determine this selection: Formal or informal content of message; Speed and delivery and response; Individual or small group or large group as receiver; Cost of communications; Availability of information and communication technology Communication systems There are many communication systems which are relied on within the modern working environment but are we sure that we mean the telephone, meetings, computer or even written these themselves have become mobile with the introduction of the mobile phone and lap top linked to a wifi network constantly giving access to internet and emails. These are the tools for communication. Communication can be broadly classified as verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication includes written and oral communication Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions and visuals diagrams Verbal Communication Verbal communication can be further divided into written and oral communication. The oral communication refers to the spoken words. Oral communication can either be face-to-face communication or a conversation over the phone. The other type of verbal communication is written communication. Written communication can be by email or written. The effectiveness of written communication depends on the style of writing, vocabulary used, grammar, clarity and precision of language Nonverbal Communication Non-verbal communication includes overall body language of the person who is speaking, which includes body posture, hand gestures, and overall body movements. The facial expressions also play a major part since facial expressions say a lot. Non verbal communication can also be in the form of pictorial representations, signboards, or even photographs, sketches and paintings Communication is a process that involves exchange of information, thoughts, ideas and emotions. Its important that the delivery of communication is received and under stood by all subordinates; this will then allow communications to play an active role within strategic decisions. Would this be relevant within a medium sized contracting firm? Most would find it difficult to operate without effective communication. Communication can take various forms as described above but all forms involve the transfer of information from one party to the other. In order for the transfer of information to qualify as communication, the recipient must understand the information conveyed to them. If the recipient does not understand the meaning of the information conveyed to them, communication has not taken place. Communication is the life source of all organisations because organisations involve people. People cannot interact with each other without communication. Internal/Organisational Communication Communication that takes place within an organisation, in addition to the usual face to face, telephone, fax or mail; modern organisations will more often than not use technology to communicate internally. Technology may be used for e-mails or a linked internal communication system such as the intranet which is an internet system designed solely for use by those working within the organisation. External communications conversely external communication is communication between the organisation and those outside the organisation. Modern organisations may design technological systems so that they can communicate with customers and undertake e-Commerce. Alternatively they communicate with other businesses through the internet or similar systems and undertake e-Business. Upward and Downward communication Downward communication is communication created by directors and managers and passed down the hierarchy of workers in the organisation. In traditional organisations this is the preferred method of communication i.e. Managers decide what the systems, rules and procedures will be and then they pass these down to employees they manage and supervise. Downward Communication can increase efficiency by synchronising organisational procedures and can ensure that everybody is working towards the same overall aims and objectives. Types of downward communication include job descriptions, appraisals/evaluations, organisational policy, and organisational systems Effective communication is the foundation for effectiveness (McNamara) experts on organisations; management and leadership avow there cant be too much communication. Leaders and managers have realised that there is a need to effectively convey and receive information, To reiterate (McNamara Carter) subordinates need to be given proper communication from managers, as this is believed to lead to an increase in absenteeism amongst workers thus effecting productivity, there should be two-way communication in an organisation. Its enviable that the Manager should have personal contact with his subordinates. He should clearly communicate goals and policies of the organization to his subordinates and should get feedback on these goals and policies. Feedback plays a very important role in the communication process. It enables us to evaluate the effectiveness of our message. Giving the subordinates chance to provide feedback is important for maintaining an open communication within the organisation. The manager must create an environment that encourages feedback Performance appraisal Performance appraisals the process of obtaining, analysing and recording information about the relative worth of an employee. The focus of the performance appraisal is measuring and improvingthe actual performance of the employee and also the future potential of the employee. Its aim is to measure what an employee does andencourage employee communications about job-related and professional matters. (Harris, F 2006)Forms of communication include coaching, counselling, training and feedback on job performance. Strategic Human resource management What is strategic human resource management? Strategic human resource management (SHRM) could be defined as a process which is constantly evolving within many organisations, and should be constantly reviewed to suite employees and employers needs. Its definition and relationships with other aspects of business planning and strategy is not conclusive and opinion varies between many different theorists Theorists views Strategic HRM is the key to improved business performance within which there is comprehensive coverage of the various definitions and approaches to HRM, strategy and strategic HRM Armstrong, M and Baron, A. (2002) Is this statement a true reflection on what is believed to be the contemporary views of human resource management? Strategic HRM is regarded as a general approach to the strategic management of human resources in harmony with the intentions of the organisation on the future direction it wants to take. Strategic HRM is concerned with longer-term people issues and macro-concerns about structure, quality, culture, values, commitment and matching resources to future need. Boxall and Purcell argue that strategic HRM is concerned with explaining how HRM influences organisational performance. They also point out that strategy is not the same as strategic plans. Strategic planning is the formal process that takes place, usually in larger organisations, defining how things will be done, Purcell, J. (2003) To simplify these statements Strategic HRM is based on HRM principles incorporating the concept of strategy. So if HRM is a rational approach to the management of people, strategic HRM now implies that that is done in a planned way. Individuals, who are highly skilled, highly motivated and have the opportunity to participate within the organization by being given tasks to undertake. However, this will only feed through into higher levels of organisational performance if these individuals have positive management relationships with their superiors in a supportive environment with strong values. All these factors will support the willingness of individuals to perform above the minimum. It also could be said that the case is made for building the worker into the analysis of HRM, on the one hand, by incorporating worker attitudes and behaviour in the study of the HRM-performance relationship, and on the other, by paying serious attention to the association between HRM and worker-related outcomes. Evidence is presented to suggest that worker attitudes and behaviour mediate the HRM-performance relationship and that certain HR practices are associated with higher work and life satisfaction. (Guest, D 1997) Models on Strategic human resource management Human resource policies and practices have been linked with strategic objectives of many organisations. A number of British academics have made major contributions to the concept of HRM and their work is summarized below. Guest, D (1991) has taken the Harvard model and developed it further by defining four policy goals which he believes can be used as testable propositions: 1. Strategic integration: the ability of the organisation to integrate HRM issues into its strategic plans, ensure that the various aspects of HRM cohere and provide for line managers to incorporate an HRM perspective into their decision-making. 2. High commitment: A behavioural commitment to pursue agreed goals and attitudinal commitment reflected in a strong identification with the enterprise. Guest (1989) believes that the driving force behind HRM is the pursuit of competitive advantage in the market-place through provision of high-quality goods and services, through competitive pricing linked to high productivity and through the capacity swiftly to innovate and manage change in response to changes in the market-place or to breakthroughs in research and development. Legge, K (1989) considers that the common themes of typical definitions of HRM are that: Human resource policies should be integrated with strategic business planning and used to reinforce an appropriate (or change an inappropriate) organizational culture, that human resources are valuable and a source of competitive advantage, that they may be tapped most effectively by mutually consistent policies that promote commitment and which, as a consequence, foster a willingness in employees to act flexibly in the interests of the ‘adaptive organisations pursuit of excellence Summary Overall a medium sized contracting firm needs strategic systems in place especially taking into account the current economic climate, situations may arise where downsizing of the company and redundancies that may be prevalent due to the expected down turn in work load. At times of high unemployment, workers are thought to be concerned about losing their jobs and hence more conscientious and tolerant of strict management they become, its important to maintain communication in this situation. As states its important in difficult times for employees to become more flexible and foster willingness (Legge, K 1995) Other areas where lack of communication creates animosity between clients and contracting firm its proven that advising client of their needs and subsequently bring the projects successfully to implementation will help secure a good working relationship. Added values such as back up service of experienced staff and well qualified staff in all the requested areas of the construction programme this fits in with Guests model of giving high-quality goods and services, through competitive pricing linked to high productivity. (Guest, D 1997) If a business has highly motivated team then success will follow, this has to be lead from the top down and strategic integration from HR is paramount in the delivery of success as described in guests theory K, Legge at first contradicts Guests theory with whats known as a hard model theory by stating that employees are a resource just as any other business resource. Thus, human resource should match business needs and help achieve objectives. Management may monitor their performances for recognition and rewards. Furthermore, organizations will always try to acquire them as cheaply as possible, and exploit them to maximise profits. This model may sound less humanistic but the objective of achieving humanism should not compromise the objectives of organisations (Legge 1995). Theorists then began to look at other types of models and agreed that a softer approach was more fitting in certain current climates Harvard Business School developed soft or developmental humanism model, also tak es into consideration integration critical for the development of business strategies. At the same time, it also emphasises on treating people as valued assets. They should be treated as human capital, which is fundamentally different from other business resources. The soft model encourages developing employees so that they become proactive in organizational development and progress (Legge 1995). Many authors question the underlying practical applications of HRM models. Similar concerns are raised about SHRM. Its managerial focus, strategic perspectives and ‘realities‘ of HR practice have been questioned by several writers (Legge 1995; Guest 1997). SHRM is certainly concerned primarily with contributing to the ‘bottom line success of an organisation, which may sometimes involve a unitarist approach to the management of employees. SHRM may also infer a ‘hard HRM focus, which does not sit comfortably with some authors. However, as Legge (1995) points out, †˜If HRM, in either its ‘hard or ‘soft guises, involves the reassertion of managerial prerogative over the labour process, the strategies of flexibility reflect and constitute a path to this, employees as both resourceful humans and human resources Conclusion The above essay has analysed and evaluated various literature of human resource management, strategy and the links between these elements. While there is considerable discussion in relation to organisations using HRM strategically with a view to enhancing their organisation performance the actual implementation seems variable. The review of the literature also suggests there is a multi layer framework in which human resource management is located. (Guest, D. 2002) The relationship between organisations and workers is increasingly secured through different forms of involvement, ranging from an alienative to a moral involvement and from compliance to commitment as the basis for the ongoing attachment. Relationship and the interaction between the worker and employer have focused attention on outcomes. These outcomes can be perceived in terms of whether they are processes, procedures or practices, but at another they can be seen to be a mechanism for securing the objectives (Manning K 2005) Bibliography Books Bratton, J Gold, J (2003), Human resource management theory Practice 3rd edition, New York. Chaffee, E (1985) ‘Three models of strategy Academy of Management Review, London. Foot, M Hook, C. (2005), Introducing Human resource management 4th edition, London Harris, F McCaffer. 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E. 1997, ‘Human Resource Management and Performance: A Review and Research Agenda, International Journal of Human Resource Management, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 263-276. Guest, D. 2002, ‘Human Resource Management, Corporate Performance and Employee-Well-Being: Building the Worker into HRM, the Journal of Industrial Relations, vol. 44, no. 3. pp. 335-358. Guest, D. E., Conway, N. Dewe, P. 2004, ‘Using Sequential Tree Analysis to Search for ‘Bundles of HR Practices, Human Resource Management Journal, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 79-96. Guest, D. E. Michie, J. Conway, N. Sheehan, M. 2003, ‘Human Resource Management and Corporate Performance in the UK, British Journal of Industrial Relations, vol.41, no. 2, pp. 291-314. Reilly, P. (2008) Strategic HR? Ask yourself the questions.HR Director. No 44, February. Richards, J. (2007) Aligning HR with the business: two steps forward, one step back. IRS Employment Review. No 866 March.