Thomas Jefferson Dbq Notes

Jessica Turro Hunter Torres 9/24/12 Period 3 The declaration of independence By Thomas Jefferson Argument – * Thomas Jefferson â€Å"Necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth , the separated and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation† * Thomas Jefferson wanted all colonies to have freedom of speech, being entitled to their independence and their rights.Evidence * â€Å"We hold these truths to be self –evident – That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness. † * â€Å"†¦. driving their just powers from the consent of the governments; that, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute its power in such form as to them shall seem most like to effect their safety and happiness. * â€Å"WE THEREFORE, THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions , do , in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies , solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. Appeals * Pathos- â€Å"that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. † * Logos-â€Å"the history of the present King of Great Britian is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having, in direct object, the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these seas. * Ethos- Rhetorical Strategies & Analysis * Thomas Jefferson uses ANAPHORA as a rhetorical strategy within his speech repeating â€Å"He Has†. * Thomas Jefferson has a frame with in his speech he begins with stating his argument of human rights and ends with his argument.

Apple’s Mission Statement

Company Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation founded in 1976 with 361 retail stores worldwide as of January 2012. The current CEO of Apple is Tim Cook and the current Chairman is Arthur Levinson. Its headquarters is situated at: 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 United States Apple’s mission statement is: â€Å"Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store.Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad. † [ (Apple Inc. – Frequently Asked Questions, 2012) ] Products and Distribution Apple’s prime function is the design and marketing of products such as consumer electronics, computers, and computer software, including: * iPhone * iPad * Mac * iPod * iOS * Apple TV * iCloud * Mac OS X Apple also offers various third-party accessories, digital content and applications compatible with its own products.Apple sells these and its own products through various distribution channels including: * retail stores * online stores * direct sales force * third-party cellular network carriers * wholesalers * retailers * value-added resellers Apple’s products and services are sold to a wide variety of customers including: * consumers * small and mid-sized businesses * education * enterprise * government customers Customers and Market Expansion Apple has a loyal customer base, with regular customers accounting for a large percentage of sales.However, Apple is always looking to expand into new market areas through the creation of new products and marketing techniques. For instance, Apple is considering the creation of an Apple Bank, with a recent survey showing that 43% of the current Apple customers would switch from their current banks to Apple. Apple also recently delve d into the electronic book industry, over which it now faces a lawsuit for colluding with other companies to raise the price of electronic books. Shares 1,748 institutions currently hold Apple shares. Due to its recent success, reflected in its no. position in BrandZ’s 2011 list of the 100 most valuable brands in the world, Apple has amassed US$98 billion, and has therefore decided to pay a quarterly dividend of US$2. 65 a share to investors starting from July 1, implying a 1. 8% dividend yield based on a current share price of around US$600. Apple is also planning to repurchase US$10 billion in shares over a three year period starting from September 30. The total cost of these planned operations amounts to roughly US$45 billion. Employees Apple has over 60,000 employees, and this number is increasing rapidly due to the company’s high employment rate.The research and development department is relatively small, with most staff employed in general and administrative role s – approximately 60% of Apple’s employees work in Apple Stores, compared to other companies in the same industry of similar size. Most Apple employees have more than 5-10 years of work experience, but the level of education is not a crucial deciding factor in employment – the amount of graduates hired without masters or doctoral degrees is significant. Environmental Impact Apple has long been the subject of criticism over its environmental impact.In 2007, Steve Jobs penned an open letter promising to remove toxic materials from Apple’s products, and that promise has been fulfilled since then, with toxic substances being removed from Apple’s whole array of products. However, Apple is still criticised often over its impact on the environment. In a list released in April 2011 by Greenpeace, Apple was deemed the least green technology company due to its high reliance on coal power. Apple published a breakdown of its carbon footprint in 2011, estimatin g that it was responsible for 23. 1 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during the year.Chinese environmental groups have also published two reports detailing the pollution and health hazards present in Apple’s supply chain in China. In these reports, Apple is criticised for ignoring the unhealthy conditions in its factories in China. In response to these reports, Apple’s pledge to ensure safe working conditions for its suppliers was restated. Apple was again criticised when several of its manufacturers in China were accused of releasing harmful pollutants. In response, Apple met with Chinese environmental groups, promising to assess its environmental impact and ensure its partners would follow environmental regulations.Apple’s own supplier responsibility report detailed that waste was being improperly discharged from some of its suppliers and some facilities did not have adequate systems or records in place required to deal with hazardous materials. Economic Conditions Apple has always had to cope with changing economic conditions. However, Apple’s response to these conditions has varied. For instance, in the Global Financial Crisis, rumours spread that Apple would develop new, more affordable products across its Mac and iPhone families. However, when questioned over this, Steve Jobs replied: â€Å"There are some customers which we choose not to serve.We don’t know how to make a $500 computer that’s not a piece of junk, and our DNA will not let us ship that. But we can continue to deliver greater and greater value to those customers that we choose to serve and there’s a lot of them. And we’ve seen great success by focusing on certain segments of the market and not trying to be everything to everybody. † Apple continued to develop its product lines in the same style and price range. In the fourth fiscal quarter of the 2011 financial year, economic conditions threatened iPhone sales, and in response, Apple chose to reduce orders for handset parts and components.By the end of the quarter it had been revealed that it had been Apple’s biggest September quarter ever, but due to Apple’s even greater success in the third quarter, the company’s revenue had not lived up to the Wall Street estimates. Competition Apple uses several strategies to stay ahead of the competition: * It is constantly developing new products. * It is continuously upgrading its existing products. * It continues to sell successful products and keeps successful designs. * It tries to cover all price ranges when it can.For instance, since the release of the iPhone 4S, Apple decided to keep selling the iPhone 3GS in order to provide a more affordable iPhone for potential customers. Apple has also initiated several lawsuits against Samsung and vice versa, with patent breaches being disputed in at least 10 countries. Most notably, Apple claimed Samsung had copied its iPhone and iPad. Business Life Cycle Despite being over 30 years old, Apple is still in the growth stage of the business life cycle. This is due to several reasons: * Growth is accelerating. Regular clients make up a large percentage of their customer base, but at the same time substantial effort is being put into tapping into new markets. * New products are being created and developed in order to fill market niches. * Mass marketing techniques are used to increase market share. * Profits are rising. * Production costs are decreasing. Company Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd is an Australian public company founded in1982 which operates primarily as a franchisor. Gerry Harvey is the current Chairman of the company, and his wife, Katie Page, is the CEO. Its headquarters is based in Homebush West, NSW, Australia.The company owns three leading brand names: * Harvey Norman * Domayne * Joyce Mayne Harvey Norman also owns several other Australian retail chains such as Space Furniture and Ariston Appliances. Unde r these brand names, the company grants franchises to independent business operators. As of the 2011 Financial Year, there were 195 franchised outlets in Australia, and 96 company owned stores. Products and Distribution Harvey Norman’s franchisees sell a wide range of products in various categories including: * electrical goods * furniture * computerised communications * bedding and manchester * small appliances * carpets and flooringThe company recently planned to conduct 5% of its trade online, but these plans proved too optimistic, and they were scaled back. Customers and Market Expansion As an icon in the Australian retail industry, consumers make up most of Harvey Norman’s customers. The company acquired retail chain Joyce Mayne in July 1998 and further expanded when it launched its Domayne retail chain in May 1999. It acquired a controlling interest in Rebel Sport Limited in July 2001 but sold it in March 2007. Harvey Norman opened Harvey Norman Direct Import in December 2011, an online store based in Ireland which sells video games to Australia free of GST.Shares Harvey Norman’s shares have recently experienced a drop of over 6% due to uncertain retail conditions and a drop in sales. Employees Harvey Norman currently has approximately 10,000 employees. The ratio of employees in general and administrative sectors to those in sales and marketing is less than in companies of similar size in the same industry. Most employees have over 5-10 years of work experience, and have bachelor’s degrees rather than masters or doctoral degrees. Environmental Impact In 2011, Harvey Norman was the subject of criticism over the destruction of Australian native forests for use in the furniture industry.A group called Markets for Change launched a campaign against Harvey Norman after they claimed to have conducted a year-long investigation into the company’s timber usage. To this, Gerry Harvey responded on ABC Radio: â€Å"I'm an environm entalist† â€Å"I'm doing my best to use recycled timber or timber from plantations †¦ but every now and then [timber from native forests] will slip through. â€Å"[Often it's] timber the government has told sawmills they can take. â€Å"We are trying really hard to change and also to keep an industry going in Australia †¦ it's difficult for [the sawmills] to survive, and without us they just wouldn't. Economic Conditions It was recently revealed that Harvey Norman’s first half yearly profits were down 2. 1%. The company released a statement explaining the situation: â€Å"The combination of intense competitive pressures and price deflation in certain key product categories, accentuated by the high Australian dollar, deteriorating economic confidence and a prudent consumer, has seen many retailers struggle to maintain margins in the fight for market share. † Competition Harvey Norman has several competitors in the market and therefore utilises severa l strategies in order to compete effectively.Actions taken by the company in response to competition include: * The purchase of the Clive Peeters and Rick Hart brands, which resulted in a loss of AUD$41 million, whose stores will now either convert to Harvey Norman or Joyce Mayne brands or close. * The launching of Harvey Norman Direct Import in response to JB Hi-Fi’s addition of a direct importation section to its website. Some predict that Harvey Norman is the only Australian listed company that would be interested in purchasing Dick Smith Electronics from Woolworths and that if Harvey Norman was to pay AUD$150 million for the business, it could boost earnings by 7%.Business Life Cycle Harvey Norman is in the post-maturity stage of the business life cycle. This is due to several reasons: * Recently, it has been experiencing a small period of decline, but over the long term it has been in a state of renewal. * New strategies taken involve some degree of risk. * New markets a re being exploited, with ventures into overseas markets. * Anticipated sales are not always eventuating. Comparing the two businesses: * Apple is a larger business than Harvey Norman, being a multinational corporation. * Apple operates in many more countries and has significantly more employees. Apple has had great recent success whereas Harvey Norman’s profits have dropped. * Apple has expanded into many more areas in recent times than Harvey Norman. * Apple’s share price is also much higher compared to Harvey Norman’s, reflecting Apple’s recent profits. * Both businesses have been the subject of criticism over their environmental impact, but Apple has received more due to its operations in more areas and countries. * Both businesses employ various strategies in order to stay ahead of competition, but Apple has had greater success, with Harvey Norman experiencing losses due to unsuccessful strategies. Despite the fact that Apple was founded before Harvey Norman, Apple is still in the growth stage of the business life cycle due primarily to the fact that its sales and profits are rapidly increasing, with demand for its products high and customer base growing. Apple would be more resilient to influences in the business environment due to the fact that it is a larger business, with more resources and a massive amount of money currently with which it can respond to changing conditions.

Case study of Allen Lane Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Of Allen Lane - Case Study Example Hence Allen will have problem in prospering with the company in a slowing economy. However, the death of Elson will give him a chance to create a new product line as PTI has good cash flow and cheap labor but he has no idea here to begin. For a change he attempts to find a distribution type of business and faced deal with Ace Electronics, Gardenpro, and Hydrapress. How all these deals becomes a failure and only option he has is PTI. The strategy of Allen Lane is to make use of the lesser contingent liabilities of the PTI because it was in business for 25 years and has good will in the market. According to ( Christie,2012) â€Å"Just as a good reputation is vital for the social standing of a person, goodwill is vital to the long-term success of any business†. The financial strategy of Allen is was to first value the business, and then price it. Obviously, he wanted price to be lower than the businesss value but high enough for the bid to get him to the bargaining table with the bank. Also he should also analyze whether the strategies he knew and the management skill and experience align with the PTI he has also confusion to whether maintain the old employees of the company or recruit the new one. Allen also have concerns over the profit of the business, potential partners, financial issues and other problems that can arise during the running of PTI. The company once acquired can lose the current employees and it will affect the company. He also needs to merge the two companies under which PTI is working so that is a risk he is facing otherwise he will have problem in managing the business. The company has inflated proprietary assets which can give problems to Allen in a slowing economy in future. The bidding for the company is also a risky affair as other companies will also bid for the same. The lack of knowledge of Allen in technology is a risk for him. Also he would face lot of competition

Species Divergence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Species Divergence - Essay Example physiology, the mode of interaction with its environment, nutrition regime, etc. While evolutionist ideas may be discerned in several pre-modern scholars’ ruminations, it was only with the advent of the 18th century Enlightenment that modern evolutionary theories formed, with that of Charles Darwin soon taking the pre-eminent place among them. The formation of currently mainstream version of evolutionary biology was immensely helped by the respective advances in the fields of genetics and molecular biology, which helped define the organic basis for evolutionary processes. From a biological organization point of view, evolution proceeds on a species level, as individuals comprising a species do not themselves evolve over the course of their lifespan. However, the results of their interaction with the environment enable the accumulation of new heritable responses within their genotype structures, giving rise to a process of natural selection. The latter, in its turn, conditions the changes in the species’ phenotype (i.e. the complex of biological features). Natural selection may be properly defined as a gradual process of genetic variation whereby the individuals with most favorable gene combinations are more frequently able to transplant their genes to subsequent generations of a species, so that their descendants will define the face of their species. While natural selection process is individual, being transmitted across a species only indirectly, it is genotype of a species as a whole that it impacts on, so that heritable changes in those individuals’ genotypes that are favored by natural selection are spread to the subsequent generations of a species as a whole. The mechanisms of natural selection are varied; however, some of them may be assigned more prominent roles in its perpetration. Of those, ecological selection, with an emphasis on fitting with one’s biological environment, and sexual selection, with an individual’s fecundity and ability to find prospective sexual partners as a key factor, may be considered the primary ones. In turn, these mechanisms may be sub-divided into more specific methods of selection, with, e.g., ecological selection encompassing the mechanisms of intraspecies competition, kin selection, etc., and sexual selection including those of intrasexual selection, intersexual selection (sexual dimorphism), etc. b. Evidence for biological evolution is manifold and comprises the number of data from different scientific disciplines. Within the context of this essay, five types of this evidence will be examined. Plate tectonics. The discovery of the movements of plates in the 20th century laid to rest the notion of unchangeable nature of Earth’s tectonics, contributing to an idea of nature’s propensity for change. On a more specific level, Charles Lyell’s studies on the impact of climatological and geological changes on the distribution of species, with specific emphasis on extinct flora, led the researchers to conclude that movements of large land masses lead to conversion of climates, which meant that animal and plant species had to be dynamic entities, the spatial distribution whereof changes in accordance with the changes of topography brought about by geological agents. Consequently, the changes in floras and faunas were decisively connected with the corresponding shifts of land masses, contributing to the development of an idea of ecological selection. Biogeography. The research in the connection between plate tectonics and changes in life on Earth that was referred to above has been directly connected with the research in the field of biogeography. Such scientists as Edward Forbes, Wallace and Willer Matthew conducted an extensive research in the

Why NYU Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why NYU - Essay Example New York University is the perfect place for students like me who are interested in an effervescent culture and diversity. The heart of NYU is its Washington Square campus, which is the center of Greenwich Village. The Village is a historic neighborhood that is composed of imaginative and energetic communities. NYU, without walls and gates, demonstrates its deep interconnection with New York City and gets inspiration from the latter’s vivacity. It has attracted generations of writers, musicians, artists, and intellectuals, which I want to interact with when studying in the University. I want to live at the center of the country’s culture and the arts, which makes NYU an appealing educational prospect for me. Furthermore, I love that NYU is a diverse school with autonomous departments. I can see myself interacting with people from other races and ethnicities and learning more about their cultures and personalities in the process. As a foreign student, I find myself at ea se in a diverse community. NYU is the ideal learning institution because of its outstanding faculty and research facilities. I am significantly partial to schools dedicated to excellence and professionalism. When I watch TV or read the news, its professors and researchers are often interviewed and their opinions are considered as reputable. Many business and social documentaries come from NYU and its faculty members. In addition, NYU teachers publish in peer-reviewed journals. This improves their credibility as sources of expert knowledge and skills. I seek to learn in a challenging academic environment, and I believe that NYU offers these cognitive challenges through its exceptional faculty, who will help develop the quality of my thinking as a business student. Finally, I want to study at NYU because it promotes a collaborative learning environment. I believe that to be successful in business, I must possess strong interaction, communication, and teamwork skills, which NYU will

Poverty Economics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Poverty Economics - Research Paper Example The model of trickle-down effect of growth is found to be prevalent in practice in the real world. Under this model, the benefits of growth are mostly savored by the upper and middle classes of the society. The lower middle class and the grass root level receive very little benefits of this economic growth. This is due to the fact that there is serious problem of income inequality in most of the economies in the globe, particularly in the developing countries (Altmann et al., 2013). All the sectors in the developing economies are not equally developed and there is huge inequality in income in the countries. In the concerned article, the Chief economist of World Bank has mentioned that the Bank has placed two new objectives that it would strive to achieve. These two goals are â€Å"ending extreme and chronic poverty in the world by 2030, and promoting shared prosperity, defined in terms of progress of the poorest 40% of the population in each society† (Basu, 2013). ... factors that affect this growth rate are rapid technological development, improvement in productivity and the lowering in the number of people living below poverty across the world. During the 19th century and also in the first few decades of the 20th century, over 1.2 billion people in the world used to live below the poverty level (the poverty line is set at $1 per day). Currently, this percentage of population has fallen marginally. According to the theory of poverty line, the people living below poverty line have the purchasing power of less than $1 dollar per day. Additionally, it must be noted in this context that more than half of the population of the world lives below $2 dollars per day. The variables that measure poverty are under nutrition, poor health condition, poor level or absolutely no literacy, environmentally degraded and unhygienic living condition, low or no access to essential things in life (such as clean water) and lack of protection of fundamental freedoms or rights. Poor people all over the globe are characterized by the living condition in slum areas and under nourishment. Scholars and economists have univocally agreed that poverty is integrally linked with inequality in income distribution (Naranpanawa, Selvanathan & Bandara, 2013). One commonly used method of measuring the personal income statistics is the Lorenz curve. The Lorenz curve helps to analyze the percentage of income against the percentage of income recipients. The further the line is from the diagonal, the greater is the degree of inequality. The following diagram illustrates the workings of the Lorenz curve. Figure 1: Lorenz curve (Source: Anonymous, n.d.) The further the curve bends from the diagonal, the greater is the inequality in income level. The area between the two

How does the Pentagon currently try to influence the content of Essay - 1

How does the Pentagon currently try to influence the content of Hollywood movies - Essay Example The relationship between Hollywood and Pentagon is not entirely a new phenomenon, or something dubious. The Pentagon would claim that it evolved out of a historic necessity, during the World War I when the State very much needed domestic support for the war. Pentagon in fact won with this logical premise to get license to interfere in the media industry. But now the relationship has matured and the interference has become mandatory to preserve and protect the image of the US Army, Marines and the Air Force, particularly in the wake of the US military operations after the Cold War. ‘Pentagon today sees the film business as an important part of public relations.’ Military depictions have become more of a commercial for them. Pentagon’s objectives Pentagon is not alone, many organisations like the CIA have their liaison offices in the Hollywood to influence the content of the film. But no doubt the biggest influence i that of the Pentagon’s ‘which exercises control over the films in which military are involved by providing soldiers and equipment or by refusing them.’ The Pentagon has three main objectives in trying to control the entertainment industry. The first is to teach history to the world as the United States sees it, or you can say an American version of the occurrences around the world, something like embedded reporting or embedded journalism. A real propaganda of the American policies. The second is to create a good image for the military. This includes recommendations to use sober, spruced up language, (no foul language!), no use of drugs or other unnatural or offensive behaviour.

What kind of society should the United States strive to become Essay

What kind of society should the United States strive to become - Essay Example Though it presents us with a unique opportunity, it has the potential to work against us if we fail to create a social attitude to accept these differences. There is a fine line we must walk to maintain our cultural differences without labeling a group as being different. Being set too far apart from the larger society runs the risk of many minorities becoming increasingly separated by prejudice and discrimination. The challenge is to incorporate and preserve multi-value systems without the attitude that can develop in a dominant-minority relationship. The multicultural approach views our value system as a diverse set of qualities that defines what it means to be an American. The term mulit-cultural implies that the definition is broad and sweeping, encompassing numerous attitudes and beliefs. The older national approach assumed there were a set of traditional American values at the core of our society. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Minority groups adopt the prevailing core values of the society in an effort to become more American. Immigrants may develop values based on our constitution or Ten Commandments without rejecting their own unique perspective and cultural heritage. What is ethnocentrism Can you identify your own ethnocentric feelings Please provide a specific example. Ethnocentrism is the belief that our own values and standards are the true and correct ones and cultural differences are viewed as unusual or inappropriate. Ethnocentrism deems our own judgments and values as morally superior than others, which we view as primitive or barbaric. It is a trait that gives us the sense that 'I am right, they are wrong'. When I see an ethnic grocery store or market in a major American city, I am instantly repelled by the bizarre types of foods and what I perceive as unhealthy conditions. I may not even know what the foods are, but my knowledge that they are different is enough for me to develop the perception that they are inferior to my familiar cheeseburger and french fries. My ethnocentrism is making the judgment without regard to well-reasoned thought. Week 2 Define pluralism and explain the ways in which it differs from assimilation. Why has interest in pluralism increased How have contemporary theorists added to the concept of pluralism Pluralism is the process of maintaining distinct social groups that hold and preserve unique cultural differences and values. Assimilation is the process of becoming a member of another group through social contact. It assumes that when groups interact they will adopt mutual values and goals. Over time, the two groups will merge into one without noticeable differences. Pluralism recognizes that values and ethnic traditions are preserved within a group because they offer value to its members in the way of self-image and group power. Interest in pluralism has increased because real assimilation does not seem to be a practical reality. Ethnic identification has become more pronounced as America becomes more diverse and groups cling to and celebrate their ethnic traditions. It is becoming more accepted that the assimilation predicted by Park and others will not come to pass in the foreseeable

Evaluation of a Foodservice System Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluation of a Foodservice System - Case Study Example Casa Brusco opened only a few months ago. The pricing of the menu is medium to high. Portions are plentiful and the General Manager feels that the menu should change with the seasons. Likewise for the dcor although to a lesser extent. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with dim lights which enhance the brick pizza oven. The bathrooms are well appointed. I interviewed Diana Bonsignore, the general manager who explained that because the restaurant just opened, there is a tight budget and therefore much of the work falls upon her shoulders. She is clearly exhausted and spends eighteen hours per day in the restaurant. Her salary is $100,000 per year. She is in charge of hiring however feels that the owners are employing their friends as wait staff and these employees are inexperienced. Indeed, during our interview, she continuously had to break our dialogue to answer calls. The restaurant's vendors include soft drink companies and a specific company which deals with alcoholic beverages. Although the price for these items is industry standard, the owners never pay the bills and she finds herself consistently cut off from ordering supplies due to nonpayment. Her chef has no formal training and is obstinate when a customer complains about an order.

Karl Marx Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Karl Marx - Essay Example His father Heinrich Marx was a lawyer by profession and the descendant of a long line of Rabbis. His mother, Henriette Presburg Marx, had a very similar genealogy as well. Hienrich Marx had to convert to Lutheranianism just before Karl was born because Jews were not allowed to practice law at the time. Karl was also baptized in the same church at the age of six in the year 1824. Karl was also sent to a Lutheran elementary school in his early years. He attended the Friedrich Wilhelm Gymnasium in Trier and graduated in 1835 at the age of 17 having studied for 5 years. In school, Karl excelled in languages and learned to read, write and speak both Latin and French very fluently. His language learning abilities would not abandon him throughout his life as later on he taught himself to read and write various European languages such as English, Scandinavian, Russian, Italian, Dutch and Spanish. After completing school, Marx enrolled in Bonn University in Bonn to study law and fulfill his f ather’s wish. Marx did not want to study law and was more interested in philosophy and literature so he spent most of his time at Bonn drinking a lot and partying. He also piled up a mountain of debt during his time at Bonn University. (Encyclopedia of World Biography) He also got engaged to Jenny von Westphalen in his time at Bonn. Jenny was the daughter of Baron von Westphalen, who was a notable member of the Trier society. Marx became also started reading up on and became interested in Sino-Simonian politics and Romantic literature on the advice of his to-be father-in-law. (Kreis) Karl then moved to Berlin where he joined the University of Berlin. It was here in Berlin that Marx started blossoming into the radical philosopher who would go on to shake the roots of Europe. The University of Berlin was a hot bed of brilliant thinkers who were debating and challenging existing ideas and institutions, including ethics, religion, philosophy etc. Marx joined these philosophers an d studied in Berlin for four years and finally finished with a doctorate in 1841. It was during his time in Berlin that Marx abandoned romanticism for Hegelianism. (Kreis) After completing his studies, Marx started preaching his radical ideas through a newspaper which was soon shut down by the Prussian government and Marx was forced to migrate to France. In France, Marx became active as soon as he reached and soon became a communist. He also met Friedrich Engels in Paris who would later become a lifelong ally. Marx was soon expelled from Paris as well and had to move to Brussels. In Brussels Marx worked further on his concept of Communism and gave the materialist conception of history. He later wrote The Communist Manifesto in 1848 and the industrial revolution broke out in Europe at the same time. Marx witnessed firsthand, the sufferings of workers all around Europe. Marx moved to Paris again in 1848 but was soon forced to move to London. In London Marx wrote his most famous book à ¢â‚¬Å"Das Kapital†. Marx had 7 children, only 3 survived past childhood. Marx passed away quietly in his armchair on 14th March 1883. (Encyclopedia of World Biography) Contribution to Ethical Philosophy The major contribution that Karl Marx made to the study of ethics is his concept of Communism. Marx was a stark critic of the capitalist system and the concept of free trade and free markets. As mentioned above, Marx had witnessed firsthand, the sufferings of the labor class in England and the rest of Europe. Marx believed that the sufferings of the labor class were only symptoms of the extremes of inequality that Capitalism produces. Since the capitalist system offers only two sources of income: sale of one’

Special Needs Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay Example for Free

Special Needs Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Essay Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder. PTSD is a serious condition that can develop when a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or terrifying event in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened. Usually the body is able to recover to normal levels of hormones and chemicals the body releases due to the stress. But with a person with PTSD the body keeps releasing the stress hormones and chemicals. An example of PTSD could be a soldier whose been to war. For a person with PTSD, the anxiety and over whelming thoughts of the event can continue and even increase over time. There are three types of PTSD symptoms: Reliving the event, which disturbs day-to-day activity, Avoidance, and Hyper arousal. Treatment for PTSD involves talk therapy (counseling), medicines, or both. The feelings felt by PTSD patients become so strong that many aspects of the individual’s life can be affected. Performing a simple task, like brushing their teeth can become overwhelming (A. D. A. M. Medical Encyclopedia, 2013). Research conducted by periodontists from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine shows that patients with long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), showed significant erosion of tooth surfaces. A group of 40 PTSD patients who had been diagnosed with 100 percent disability, were taken from the VA Medical Center and compared to a group of patients that did not have the disorder. The patients with PTSD had significantly more tooth plaque and gingivitis. Doctors suspect that this could be caused because of their illness, the patients are unable to carry out good oral hygiene compared to the non-PTSD patients. Also the PTSD patients were found to suffer from bruxism and clenching which can be related to extra daily stress they feel. Participants received an oral examination and evaluation of tooth wear. Results showed significantly increased wear of tooth surfaces in three dimensions near the gum line, vertical, horizontal and depth in those with PTSD. PTSD patients showed vertical erosion was more than three times greater, horizontal was more than four times greater and depth was more than 10 times greater than the patients not having PTSD (Baker, 2001). Extra considerations need to be taken for dental patients being seen with PTSD. As dental hygienist’s special treatment planning may be needed due to the greater dental and behavioral challenges the PTSD patients may present with. Special attention must be paid to health history questions and getting as much background information of the patients initiating factors, diagnostic criteria, and medical management of the PTSD, so the dental team can better understand and manage the patient. Also, it is extremely important to prevent further loss of tooth structure and surfaces. Together the dentist and hygienist need to work together to rehabilitate the damaged areas. Different recommendations can be made to patient to help with dental issues such as a night guard to help with bruxism and a frequent recall for dental cleanings to help battle the problems caused by poor oral hygiene. As with all patients’ encouragement and being understanding of patients’ needs is very important (Wright, 2004).

Starbucks Motivation Strategy: Case Study

Starbucks Motivation Strategy: Case Study Nowadays, the competition becomes more extreme because rapid globalization in the recent years, especially for the service industry with the similar products. The most vital point for business to success is not only the quality of products they supply, but the atmosphere of cooperating and the amount from yield of teamwork in retail sales. The employees who always touch with customers and can realize what customers really need are first-line staffs. Therefore, it turns to be essential for companies to motivate, reward and train their employees to be the best quality personnel. In the first stage, the historical background of Starbucks will be introduced. Secondly, an issue about the methods of motivating employees are going to discuss. Next, the strategies, which are used by Starbucks to make their teamwork performance well, will be pointer out. In the end, there is a conclusion about the effect of policies in motivation and teamwork. Managers are constantly searching for ways to  create a motivational environment where associates  (employees) to work at their optimal levels to  accomplish company objectives. Workplace  motivators include both monetary and non-monetary  incentives. Monetary incentives can be diverse while  having a similar effect on associates. One example of  monetary incentives is mutual funds provided  through company pension plans or insurance  programs. Because it has been suggested that  associates, depending on their age, have different  needs pertaining to incentives, traditional incentive  packages are being replaced with alternatives to attract younger associates.  This paper will discuss how monetary and non-monetary incentives are influenced by career stages and the problems associated with monetary  and non-monetary incentives. How the entire total reward and human resources (HR) systems at Starbucks are linked to the business objectives and reinforce the companys strong culture and values. Working in mutual support of the business, the culture, and values, this integrated HR system has helped shape a powerful success story that didnt rely on conventional thinking and trends with respect to the treatment of its workforce. Part 2: Setting the Scene A Brief History of Starbucks Starbucks Coffee Company, as we know it today, began in 1987, when Howard Schultz, the current chairman and CEO, acquired the assets from the original founders, whom he had worked with from 1982 to 1985. In 1987, Starbucks had 11 stores. The original business plan, and promise to the investors, was to have 125 stores within five years. From 1987 to 1992, the company remained private, growing at the astonishing rate of 80% per year to more than 150 stores. In June 1992, the company went public, and it was one of the most successful initial public offerings of the year. Today, Starbucks is the leading retailer, roaster, and brand of specialty coffee in North America. It operates more than 1,800 retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom, and the Pacific Rim and has established joint-venture partnerships with Breyers (to produce coffee ice cream) and PepsiCo (to produce Frappuccino, a bottled coffee drink). Sales for fiscal year 1997 were $967 million, an increase of nearly 39% over the previous year, and the company employed more than 25,000 partners (the companys term for employees). The company goal is to have more than 2,000 locations in North America by the year 2000. The company mission is to establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromi sing principles as we grow. Starbucks Culture and Values: The Driver of HR and Reward Systems Starbucks is a values-driven company, with a firmly established set of principles that are widely shared within the organization. It is also a company that puts its employees first and invests a tremendous amount in them. None of this is by accident. Source: Wilson, Thomas, B., Rewards That Drive High Performance, Amazon, New York, 1999. www.wilsongroup.com 1 It all stems from the values and beliefs of its CEO. Says Schultz, I wanted to establish the kind of company that gave people a form of equity (ownership) and comprehensive health insurance, and most importantly, give them self-esteem in the workplace. People feel that Starbucks is a place that gives them self-respect and values the contributions they make, regardless of their education or where they are in the company. The company believes that if it puts partners first, the result will be exceptional customer service, and by extension, if it has highly satisfied customers, the financial returns will follow. The history of Starbucks Starbucks began by three friends, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, who knew each other in the University of Seattle. In 1971, the first name of their store is Starbucks Coffee, Tea, and Spice in Seattle, Washingtons Pike Place Market. They engaged in making profit from selling coffee beans roasted to individual customers and restaurants. Until 1982, they had increased the number of stores to four. During the same period, a sales representative of the house ware business in New York, Hammerplast, visited them. Howard Schultz wanted to know why a small company needs a large number of percolators from Hammerplast. Because of the trade relationship between these two companies, he was acquainted with the three inventors. After he realized the atmosphere and environment of the company, he decided to be a part of Starbucks, then as a director of marketing and retail sales. In the following year, he had a vocation to Milan, Italy. Though the time, he experienced an entirely different coffee culture from the United States. The culture of Italian cafà © had been one part of peoples daliy life. There were numerous coffee bars around the area and the public usually liked to socialize in a coffee bar. Under those circumstances, Schultz had an idea of a new flavor of cafà © and a stylish environment to communicating with friends. After the trip, he prepared the business plan for his vision. However, the three initiators did not want to transfer their business into restaurant industry. Consequently, in 1985 he chose to establish a new coffee shop, named II Giornale, in Seattle. After the next two years, due to the successful strategy of Schultz, the original three owners of Starbucks decided to sell their corporation to Schultz. Then Schultz gathered other investors and took over the name of II Giornale to Starbucks. He sought to pursue his dream to make everyone taste his coffee, so he focused on the rate of expanding. At that time, he though that the most efficient way to grow the amount of branches is to set up new stores in other places. In I987, Starbucks had the first overseas store in Japan. In the subsequent years, owing to the rising expenses with the worldwide broadening, there was a deficit in Starbucks for the next three years. In contrast, he firmly believed that not to sacrifice long-term integrity and values for short-term profit (Michelli, 2006). In 1991, it turned loss into gain and its sales grew up sharply to 84 percent. Until the end of 2002, Starbucks has developed from 17 stores to 5,688 spreading over 30 countries in by this strategy, it is an over 300 times growing in these ten years! (shown as Exhibit 1) From Fortune magazine, Starbucks was ranked the 11th best company to work for in 2005 in the USA and then risen up in 2006 to 29th. As to 2007, it was ranked as the 16th best. In the same year, Starbucks was also voted as one of the top ten UK workplaces by the Financial Times. (Resource: wikipedia) Part 3 Literature Review Definition of Motivation Motivation is one of the most important aspects of an individualà ®Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬sb eh av io r that determines not only how individual behaves and thinks but also ways in which he / she interacts with others and influences them. Motivation is derived from the word motives. The word motive is derived from Latin word movere, which means to move or to energize. Thus motivation actives us and directs our behavior to a particular goal. According to Armstrong (2002 P.56) states that People wont change their behaviour unless it makes a difference to  them to do so Managers are individuals who achieve their goals through other people. They are constantly searching for ways to motivate their employees to make them work at their optimal level of performance to accomplish the company objective. Various incentives are provided by the managers to their employees for motivation. The incentives that are provided by the mangers to their employees can be broadly classified as monetary incentives and non-monetary incentives. 2.1 Comparison of monetary and non-monetary incentives The purpose of monetary incentives is to reward associates for excellent job performance through money. Monetary incentives include profit sharing, project bonuses, stock options and warrants, scheduled bonuses (e.g., Christmas and performance-linked), and additional paid vacation time. Traditionally, these have helped maintain a positive motivational environment for associates. Monetary incentives can be diverse while having a similar effect on associates. One example of monetary incentives is mutual funds provided through company pension plans or insurance programs. Because it has been suggested that associates, depending on their age have different needs pertaining to incentives, traditional incentive packages are being replaced with alternatives to attract younger associates. On the other hand, the purpose of non-monetary benefits is to reward excellent job performance through opportunities. Non-monetary incentives include flexible work hours, training, pleasant work environment, and sabbaticals. 2.2 Problems with monetary incentives Managements have always looked at man as an animal to be  manipulated with a carrot and stick. They found that when a man is lured/hurt, he will move to get the prize/avoid the pain-and they say, Were motivating the employees. Hell you are not motivating them, you are moving them.* -Frederick Herzberg, Professor Emeritus Monetary incentives usually encourage compliance and achievement of difficult targets instead of encouraging creativity, innovation and foresight which are more important in the long run. Thus employees are not able to express their true talent and in the long run lose their creativity. Employers also may use monetary incentives as an extrinsic rather than an intrinsic motivator. In other words, associates are driven to do things just for the monetary reward versus doing something because it is the right thing to do. This can disrupt or terminate good relationships between employees because they are transformed from co-workers to competitors, which can quickly disrupt the workplace environment. Another problem with monetary incentive is that it is given to circumvent a bigger problem for a short run. Sales employees are given higher monetary incentives to compensate for poor management and poor products, employees are paid more for working in poor work environment. Monetary incentives can even drive the employees to falsely reporting their achievements. Huge monetary incentives given to middle mangers are seen as a hook to retain them which may make them work counterproductively. Though the monetary incentives have a better effect than the monetary incentives in the short run, they fail miserably in the long run and in extreme situations downfall of the company (when employees start anticipating monetary incentives even for routine jobs and in absence of which they start working inefficiently or go on a strike as in the case of some government employee s). Also most of the non-monetary incentives are intrinsic in nature. Intrinsic motivation is more effective as the impetus to work is from within. Employees are working because they feel satisfied or fulfilled by the activity they undertake. Under these circumstances the management can be regarded as more of a support than control. So managers should concentrate more on non-monetary incentives after the minimum level of monetary benefits and properly structure them according to their employees preference. This will ensure high motivational level of the employees which will get reflected in their better performance at work. 2.3 Theories which support intrinsic motivation Various theories that support the concept that intrinsic motivation which is attained through non-monetary incentives is important and better than extrinsic motivation are as follows: Maslows Hierarchy of needs This theory states that the needs of social, esteem and self actualisation are higher order needs. The differentiation between the higher order needs and lower order needs is that the higher order needs are satisfied at the individual level whereas the lower order needs are satisfied externally. Herzbergs two-factor theory It supports the emphasis on factors associated with work like promotional opportunities, opportunities for personal growth, recognition, responsibility, and achievement which employees find intrinsically rewarding McClellands Theory of Needs This theory focuses on three needs: achievement, power and affiliation. They are defined as follows Need for achievement: The drive to excel, to achieve in relation to a set of standards, to strive to succeed. Need for power: The need to make others behave in a way that they would not have behaved otherwise Need for affiliation: The desire for friendly and closely interpersonal relationships. Cognitive evaluation theory This theory states that allocating extrinsic rewards for behaviour that had been rewarding intrinsically leads to decrease in overall level of motivation. Thus it supports the view that it is better to continue intrinsic motivation to boost the morale of employees. Goal-Setting theory This theory supports the idea that specific and difficult goals with feedback  lead to higher motivation and performance. Self-efficacy theory(Social cognitive theory) It is the individuals belief that a task assigned can be done. Higher the self efficacy higher is the confidence of the employee at the workplace. Reinforcement theory This theory states that the behaviour is a function of its consequences. If employees feel that their efforts are duly rewarded then they will work in a more effective manner for the organisation. Equity theory This theory states that individuals compare their job inputs and outcomes with those of others and then respond to eliminate any inequities. If their colleagues are given recognition employees will work towards achieving those rewards. This motivates them to perform them to work better which beneficial to the organisation. Expectancy theory The strength of a tendency to act in a certain way depends on the strength of an expectation that the act will be followed by a outcome and on the attractiveness of that outcome to the individual. Thus when expectations from a employee increases the employee responds with better performance. From the above theories (however different they may be) it is clear that intrinsic motivation is desired by the employees. 2.4 Intrinsic Motivation by non-monetary incentives Various non-monetary incentives motivate employees intrinsically which is more efficient than the extrinsic motivation. The intrinsic motivation that these incentives offer is the result of intrinsic rewards of self management. Self management In employees perspective self-management is choosing activities, monitoring competence, committing to purpose and monitoring progress. The intrinsic motivation that energises the work comes directly from the four management events namely activities, purpose, opportunities and rewards. From these four events the employees make a judgement -of the meaningfulness of the task purpose, the degree of choice available in selecting activities, the competence with which the activities are performed, and the amount of progress being made to the task purpose. The judgements from self-management lead to intrinsic rewards which in turn provide the energy for self- management which completes the cycle. OPPORTUNITY ACCOMPLISHMENT Rewards Rewards From task ACTIVITIES From task PURPOSE Sense of meaningfulness It is the opportunity that makes the employees feel that they are on a path that is worth the energy and time-that they are on a valuable mission that matters in the larger scheme of things. Sense of choice It is the opportunity that the employees feel to select task activities that make sense to them and to perform them in ways that seem appropriate to them. The feeling of choice is the feeling of being free to choose-of being able to use their judgement and act out of their own understanding of task Sense of competence It is the accomplishment that employees feel in skilfully performing task activities that have been chosen by them. The feeling of competence involves the sense that they are doing good, high-quality work on a task. Sense of PROGRESS It is the accomplishment felt in achieving the task purpose. The feeling of progress involves the sense that the task is moving forward, and their activities are really accomplishing something. It is the accomplishment felt in achieving the task purpose. The feeling of progress involves the sense that the task is moving forward, and their activities are really accomplishing something. 2.5 Non-monetary incentives The non-monetary incentives desired by employees across generations have gone rapid changes. The following table shows the preferences in non-monetary incentives across generations. Baby Boomers (born between 1946-63) Generation Xers (born between 1964-81) Generation Yers (born after 1982) Retirement planning Flexible schedules Job training Sabbaticals Flexible schedules Professional development Feedback Tangible rewards Work environment Flexible schedules Professional development Feedback Tangible rewards Work environment Attentive Employers Autonomy Table 2: Preferences in non-monetary incentives across generations Thus it is obvious that the demands of the current generation of employees are ever increasing and in current scenario where there is low loyalty to the companies, high attrition rate these demands have to be met reasonably well to attract prospective employees who can perform really well and to retain the employees. 3. PRACTICES IN ORGANISATIONS Various non-monetary incentives in Table 1 are affected by career stage and proximity to retirement. The older the associate, the more the focus is placed on retirement or supplementing retirement income with part-time or temporary jobs. The younger the associate, the more the focus is placed on job satisfaction and the work environment. Types of non-monetary incentives Various types of non-monetary incentives are as follows: Flextime Professional development Feedback Tangible rewards Work environment Attentive employers Autonomy Redesigning of jobs Retirement planning and others. 3.1 Flextime Flextime refers to several arrangements that allow the employee to work a non-traditional schedule. The employee and the manager agree in advance on the hours of work. Flextime is a popular option for good reasonit lends balance to busy lives. Fortunately, flextime also benefits the manager too. Allowing employees to work schedules that best suit their lives results in more productive workers. The most common flextime arrangements include: Compressed workweek This arrangement allows the employees to work a full, 40-hour schedule in 4 days by extending the hours they work each day. The compressed week can also be scheduled over 2 workweeks, during which they work 9 longer days and have the tenth off. In any case, the compressed workweek maintains the same overall number of hours, just divided up differently. The workload, benefits, and pay are not affected by the arrangement. Adjusted lunch Working an adjusted lunch schedule doesnt actually allow any additional days off. Instead, he employees can take a longer lunch each day, making up the hours at the beginning or end of the day. For example, he manager may allow the employee to take your lunch from 11-1 so that the latter can run errands, go to a doctors appointment, or work out, but in exchange the employee works that additional hour at the beginning or end of your day. This sort of arrangement may be an unofficial privilege of every worker, especially if its used only occasionally. Core hours Next to the compressed workweek, this is the most popular scheduling strategy because of the flexibility it offers. With this schedule, an employee can work certain hours every day, and as long as the schedule is built around the work time specified. For instance, if the core hours are 10-3, the employee must work 10-3 every day, but the starting and ending times can vary. The employee may choose to work 10-6, or 7-3, or any other combination as long as those core hours are covered. If the employee maintains the same total number of hours, your workload, benefits, and pay remain the same. Flexible hours Common core Lunch Common core Flexible hours 6 A.M 9 A.M 12 noon 1 P.M 3 P.M 6 P.M Figure 2: Example of a Flextime schedule The only problem with flextime is that it cant be extended to employees involved in production as the work time also depends on the machines which have to be run continuously for a certain period of time. Problems may arise if flextime is offered to employees of other departments and not to those of production department. So it is better not to introduce flextime in organisations where it cant be extended to all the departments. 3.2 Professional development In a broad sense professional development may include formal types of vocational education, typically post-secondaryor polytechnic training leading to qualification or acredentia l required to get or retain employment. Informal or individualized programs of professional development may also include the concept of personalcoaching. Professional development on the job may develop or enhance process skills, sometimes referred to as leadership skills, as well as task skills. Some examples for process skills are effectiveness skills, team functioning skills, and systems thinking skills. Some examples of task skills are computer software applications, customer service skills and safety training. Examples of skills relevant to a currentoccupation are leadership training for managers and training for specific techniques or equipment for educators,technicians, metal workers,medical  practitionersand engineers. For some occupations there is a provision for  accreditation tied to continuing professional education and proving competence  regulated by a professional body. 10 3.3 Feedback People dont quit organisations, they quit bosses. This can be extended to colleagues too. Improper communication, negative relationship, backbiting etc can lead to inefficiency and counter productivity. To overcome this, organisations are adopting feedback culture. It is the culture wherein all the employees are taught the skills of effectively receiving and giving feedback which is the degree to which carrying out the work activities required by the job results in the employee obtaining direct and clear information about the effectiveness in their job performance. This includes telling each other frankly, honestly and effectively what they think about their behaviour, job performance, ideas etc. Employees prefer being told what others think about them directly instead of in the round about way and they like being given feedback to self evaluate their performance. They also would like to frankly tell their bosses the various problems and issues faced by them. Feedback is of two types positive and negative. Positive feedback improves the morale of the receiver and negative feedback improves the performance of the receiver. Poor feedback can reduce morale, the ability to do the job, confidence of employees and can even lead to conflicts between the management and the employees. Hence great care has to be taken while giving and receiving feedback. So when both the managers and the employees acquire these skills of giving and receiving feedback the feedback culture works out well for the company. The following factors are to be considered while giving feedback: Make feedback specific Ambiguity and vagueness will make feedback ineffective as the receiver might miss out the whole point. It should be made sure that there is no personality clash between the giver and receiver. Both of them should be comfortable with the way the feedback is being given and neither of them should feel attacked or offended. To do away with these problems the feedback has to be specific. Concentrate on behaviour and results Feedback should concentrate on behaviour, results and future prospective and not on personality and attitudes so that the receiver gets the desired message in the desired manner. Take responsibility The manager/employee should take the initiative of giving feedback rather than putting the blame on others saying that it is not their job. Most often it is due to lack of skills and unwillingness to give feedback. Employees should also be encouraged to take responsibility as there is lot of emphasis on teamwork and empowerment in present days organisations which are becoming flat. Balanced feedback Feedback has to be balanced and accurate. Overstating or understating results will lead to ineffectiveness of feedback. Feedback on periodic basis Feedback has to be on a periodic basis preferably on weekly basis. Delay in giving feedback will render it ineffective. Similarly while receiving feedback the receiver has to listen attentively to all what is said, analyse the feedback and take remedial action. Though difficult to establish, feedback culture promotes teamwork, job satisfaction, employee empowerment, improvement in job performance and so is preferred by most of the employees. 3.4 Tangible rewards It is important to understand how different groups of employees perceive the total reward package offered by the organisation, particularly if the marketing adage Perception is Reality were to be recalled. If the employee doesnt understand the total reward package, how can employee value it? And how can it motivate he employee to perform? Therefore, there is a need to gain an understanding of how managers and employees perceive reward, and, in the case of the Senior Management Team, where they think reward should focus? Perception of reward can be researched using the following tool: Senior Management Team Brainstorm It is always important to involve the Senior Management Team (SMT) in Total Reward policy development. It is best to involve them from the outset to ensure that they understand and contribute to what you are doing. The key reason for conducting management interviews or focus groups is to gain buy-in from those who will be accountable for implementing the strategy. Interviews can help identify the information that managers will find useful, and begin to develop an action plan. This should focus on the big picture and on priorities, not on detail. Top teams (or other senior groups) are likely to be unenthusiastic about detailed level definitions. The specific organisation and style of the debate will depend on the make-up of the team and the nature of the facilitators relationship with it. The focus will be on discovering either what really matters to people who work here? or based on the kind of people you want to work here, what do you think would really matter to them? The focus in each case will be on discovering either what really matters to people who work here? or based on the kind of people you want to work here, what do you think would really matter to them? Cash vs. Tangible Rewards Why Do Merchandise and other Tangible Rewards Motivate Better Than Cash? Perks programs feature custom-designed rewards catalogues with highly desirable and attainable merchandise as rewards. Our reward items are memorable and reinforce the relationship between the reward earner and the reward provider. They keep on giving each time a merchandise reward is viewed or noticed: recipients relive the special recognition and appreciate the organization that honoured them. Cash rewards on the other hand, often have fleeting impact and more often than not, leave the recipients mind as soon as they are spent. Cash unfortunately for those companies that attempt to motivate with it is the least lasting type of reward, because its typically confused with other compensation and therefore forgotten. Additional reasons to use tangible rewards rather than cash are summarized below. Comparison between cash and tangible rewards. Cash or Any Cash Equivalent Purely an extrinsic motivator with little emotional involvement; does not  provide lasting satisfaction and long-term performance stimulation   Creates expectations, leads to entitlement and consequently looses its motivating value A dollar is a dollar; participant attaches no greater emotional or inspirational value to cash. Lacks emotional impact of tangible rewards; thus quickly spent and forgotten   No trophy value to be a constant reminder and continue to motivate. It is  difficult to show off; thus limits the lasting impact of the reward Difficult to target a particular behaviour because of the lacking association  with a particular achievement Recipients often cant recall what they purchased with cash reward which  further diminished its impact Minimal association with Sponsor Company due to minimal trophy value  of reward which minimizes the potential of goodwill toward the company   Not cost-effective; requires three times the incentive investment compared  to non-cash, on average Usually spent on necessities thus lacking a positive association with the  targeted accomplishment or behaviour Participant feels guilty for not spending a cash award on necessities which  taints the reward with unpleasant feelings Tangible Rewards 1. Carry a significant trophy value thus continue to reinforce

Biometric Identification

Biometric Identification BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION Introduction The escalating threat of global terrorism and narcoterrorism in the twenty-first century has generated massive changes in the identification of suspected criminals. One of the technological highlights in this regard has been biometric identification. Biometrics refers to the science of identifying human being by analyzing biological traits or physical characteristics (Bolle, 2004). This paper describes the most widely-used forms of biometric identification and presents the advantages and disadvantages of each. Advantages and Disadvantages of Biometric Systems Biometric identification is an automated method used to recognize a person based on behavioral or physiological characteristics (Tipton Krause, 2004). Behavioral characteristics include voice or handwriting. Physiological characteristics include fingerprint, iris, or hand geometry. 1. Fingerprint analysis The most commonly known biometric system is a the fingerprint analysis (Bolle, 2004). The principle here is that each individuals set of fingerprints is unique. This method requires a user to place his or her finger onto a reader. The persons fingerprint is scanned and sent to a database where it will be compared, identified, and verified. Fingerprint technology is widely used today in law enforcement, banking, and in merchandising. The biggest strength of this method is its high accuracy and low incidence of false acceptance and its low cost. However, fingerprint technology is said to have a high false rejection rate (where valid users are incorrectly rejected access). Sometimes, the technology does not recognize accurately in case of hand trauma, age, or disease. 2. Hand geometry The hand geometry identification method is the second most commonly used biometric tool (Jain, Ross, Pradhakar, 2004). Basically, it analyzes finger length and the edge of a hand. Hand biometric requires a person to place his or her hand on the device which has pegs to lay the hand on. When the hand is put properly in place, the device scans and checks the database for identification or verification. While the hand biometric device is easy to integrate, use, and can even work despite dirty hands, the technology is expensive, has low accuracy level, cannot read when hand is injured or has suffered from trauma, or when a person has arthritis. 3. Retina technology The concept is that it is practically impossible to counterfeit a human retina. The scanner analyzes capillary vessels situate in the back of the eye. Retina biometrics requires the person to place his or her eye close to a scanner and as the device scans, to focus on a specific point while being still (Jain, Ross, Pradhakar, 2004). The process takes 10-15 minutes. Retina technology has a very high accuracy rate. However, it is a sensitive process, expensive, and quite uncomfortable for those who wear glasses. 4. Voice technology Voice biometrics analyzes the pitch or tone of a persons voice. Voice biometrics fall into two categories: voice recognition and speech recognition. Voice recognition analyzes quality of the voice while speech recognition interprets what a person says (Jain, Ross, Pradhakar, 2004). The advantages of this system is that is it non-invasive and not susceptible to error due to a cold. However, its accuracy may be compromised with the presence of acoustics in the room and increased age. Conclusion Biometric identification includes methods such as fingerprint technology, hand geometry, retina analysis, and voice recognition. Although biometric identification is undeniably cutting edge technology, there are disadvantages present that is inherent with any modern technological systems. References Bolle, R. (2004). Guide to biometrics. New York: Springer. Jain, A. K., Ross, A., Prabhakar, S. (eds.) (2004). An introduction to biometric recognition. In IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology (14th ed.). New York: Springer. Tipton, H. K. Krause, M. (eds.) (2004). Information security management handbook. New York: CRC Press.

A Critical Response to Hawthorne’s Puritans Essay -- Literacy Analysi

Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) is critically acclaimed for the portrayal of New England Puritans in his fiction. The grim picture of the rigid and forbidding Puritan community in his works reflects the widespread attitude towards Puritans, yet Professor Deborah L. Madsen, in her paper, â€Å"Hawthorne’s Puritans: From Fact to Fiction† claims that this monolithic portrayal of Puritanism results in a ‘powerful misrepresentation of the actual puritans [and] of the dynamics of Puritan theology’ (Madsen 1999, p 510) . The present response is a critical review of Madsen’s paper. The title of the paper is appropriate. While ‘Hawthorne’s Puritans’ implies a difference between actual Puritans and those conceptualized by Hawthorne, ‘From Fact to Fiction’ extends this idea by suggesting the disparity between history/fact and Hawthorne’s fiction. Madsen’s study argues that Hawthorne attempts to defend his puritan ancestors by creating a monolithic Puritanism, in which the conduct of all authoritarian puritans resembles that of his own ancestors such as John and William Hathorne. The ultimate goal of Hawthorne, according to Madsen, is to excuse ‘the sins of his fathers by showing that they were incapable of acting otherwise’ (Madsen, 1999, p. 510). What Madsen means by ‘a monolithic Puritanism’ is one that here allows ‘only one interpretation of itself and its significance’ (Madsen, 1999, p.516). In other words, it is an essentialist and stereotypical representation that does not take into account the complexities and the changeability of puritan behavior in an attempt to portray its underlying and unchanging essence. The outcome is a fixed and commonly-held image of puritans as a ‘grim and gloomy race, impatient with human weakness and m... ...h they are written and the social sphere in which he moved, his background, and various other influences on him. In conclusion, she brings out how Hawthorne’s fiction creates a biased and monolithic portrayal of the puritans ignoring the complexity of their theology and culture. Ideally, Madsen should have shed some light upon this complexity which could have substantiated her claim that Hawthorne denies the existence of any sophistication in puritan culture and theology. Works Cited Hawthorne, N., 1850. The Scarlet Letter available at: http://www.forgottenbooks.org Montrose, L. A., 1989. "Professing the Renaissance: The Poetics and Politics of Culture," in Veeser, A., 1989. The New Historicism, New York, London: Routledge. pp. 15-36. Madsen, D.L., 1999. Hawthorne’s Puritans: From Fact to Fiction. Journal of American Studies, 33 (1999), 3, 509-517

Essay --

4) What does the future hold for the fashion industry in France? With many of Paris’ fashion houses being over a century old, it is necessary that the houses to have successors for their head designers. In recent years, houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Balmain have acknowledged new head designers and creative directors. When houses are changing such a critical role in their brand, they must be extremely careful that the successor will keep the essence of what made the brand respected for so many years. Parisian houses are recognized for taking ample time in doing so, and they usually make the best choice. In the near future, Paris and the rest of the â€Å"Big Four† will be facing some new competition. The Top 5 Quickest Emerging Fashion Markets are the major South American countries, China, Turkey, the UAE and Kazakhstan (Top 5 Emerging Markets†¦). Many Asian and Middle Eastern cities are quickly edging their way up the Top 20 Fashion Capitals List. The rapidly expanding Middle Eastern city of Dubai provides very â€Å"western world† lifestyle. The growth of Dubai has been constant since 1966 when oil was discovered in their land. In such a short time period, Dubai has gone from dependent upon trade and labor to the 22nd most expensive city in the world, and the most expensive in the Middle East. Many luxury brands that are coveted in Europe and the US like Hermes, Cartier and Louis Vuitton have thrived in this wealthy, metropolitan area. As of 2012, it was number 31 on the Top Fashion Capitals list and #1 in the Middle East according to the Global Language Monitor. With the influences of surrounding countries being a bit more ethnic, the cultural diversity is very strong. India is known for their rich, elaborat... ...the fashion industry for hundreds of years, as it is home to the world’s leading designers and has imbedded a natural sense of effortless style in its residents. Paris Fashion Week is the finale of the four fashion weeks and is still depended upon for dictating next season’s trends. The world’s most glamorous names in fashion like Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and many more are still based out of the city. Paris was home to the first fashion house and it was the city to coin the terms of haute couture and prà ªt-à  -porter. To this day use they implement high standards and use unions to protect these sects of the industry. It is home to the Golden Triangle; shopping districts of Champs-Elysà ©es, Avenue Montaigne and Avenue Marceau. For these, and plenty of other reasons, France can still rightly claim its title of world fashion capital.

Condition of African-Americans in the late nineteenth century Essay

Examine the condition of African-Americans in the late nineteenth century and explain why the Thirteenth Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Fifteenth Amendment, which were enacted to aid the new freedmen, actually did little. In the late nineteenth century after the civil war the U.S. was over, there were about 4 million people that were once slaves that were now set free. The big question for President Lincoln and the presidents that followed was what to do with them? Even though the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were passed to free and aid the freed slaves it actually did very little to help them at all because many other events that took place, which prevented them from working. The white southern government passed restrictive black codes, which was mostly just revised sections of the slave codes and replaced the word slaves with freedmen. The codes made former slaves carry passes, observe curfews, and live in housing provided by landowners. There were certain jobs that blacks still could not get into. Labor contracts even bounded the freed people to plantations and laws would punish anyone who tried to lure workers away from the plantations to other employment opportunities. Since most blacks lacked money to buy land many had to rent the land they worked. They had to rent land from white owners, which turned into sharecropping, where the black farmers kept some of their crop and gave the rest to the landowner for payment of the land. This ...

Modern Politics on “The Strategy of Terrorism” Essay

David Fromkin, author of â€Å"The Strategy of Terrorism† makes several arguments through his article; some of which I feel are relevant to today’s political atmosphere and some which seem unrealistic. The following essay discusses four key arguments and their relevancy in today’s standards.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most unrealistic statement made by Fromkin was in his description of a terrorist in the eyes of some people. As revolutionaries, terrorists have come to seem romantic figures to many (685). Although written over thirty years ago, it seems unimaginable that anyone could see terrorists as romantic. The author makes another reference to terrorists as men going from gunmen to heroes. While it is possible that terrorist regimes consider their leaders as heroes, it is unrealistic to think any non-terrorist society would agree. The 2001 collapse of the Twin Towers destroyed any possible visions of romance or heroism involving terrorist actions, if anyone was ever to feel that way towards terrorism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To look at Fromkin’s arguments in a pre-911 mindset, some of his arguments may not seem that unrealistic to America’s mainstream society. The American people have been aware of terrorism for decades, but very few physical acts of terrorism has been carried out in American soil; in comparison to overseas countries. Many American’s were ignorant to terrorism, even after the Oklahoma Bombing in 1995; which many considered not to be terrorism because it was an American man with no known organization behind his action. Although, publications would later be released linking McVeigh to the Aryan Nation organization and the Midwest Bandits (Cash & Charles, 2001). Before 911, most American’s perceived terrorism as something that happened in other countries; not in the safe and dependable United States. American’s today are much more aware of the dangers of terrorism. How does one define terrorism? Fromkin did well in answering this question, and his descriptions are still relevant today. The author’s description of terrorism as a fear tactic, using fear as a weapon, and their need for publicity in order to be successful was relevant in the 1970s as well as today. Everyday the news displays more heinous acts of terrorism in Iraq, where our brothers, husbands and other loved ones may be; and we are struck with fear. These images are daily reminders of those we lost in the 911 attacks as well. When human life is taken for reasons only known to the killers, our fear is their success. Fromkin also makes a good argument when he details terrorist strategy as a success determined by response made by the victims’ organization or country. It is my opinion that the United States has reacted as the terrorists hoped. The terrorists had hoped to ruin the economy and security of the American people. When America went to war, the implications were, and still are, innumerable. The divide of lower and upper class Americans has all but wiped out the middle class status; and today, more and more Americans are questioning the government’s motives in going to war with Iraq, the unity once found in America is no more. The final argument to be discussed is Fromkin’s outlook on the United States government as â€Å"a face and not a mask†. I wonder if he would feel that way today. As mentioned above, American’s are now questioning our government’s motives in Iraq. Scandals in the White House and throughout government agencies have become a regular occurrence, published as front page news and on the news. I would have to disagree with Fromkin’s argument; the American government most certainly does wear a mask. It is possible however, that at the time of Fromkin’s article publication, our government had a much better mask in place. In conclusion, Fromkin’s article makes several arguments about terrorism; most however are unrealistic in today’s society. What hasn’t changed however is the strategy of terrorism. Terrorists today use fear tactics and public displays of violence to produce a response. Unfortunately, many times terrorists receive the response they hope for. As Fromkin discussed, sometimes prevention is not enough, and at times inappropriate. The way to combat terrorism is to understand it, know the motivation and not to play into the hands of the enemy. Works Cited Cash, J, D. and Charles, Roger. â€Å"Company Boy: The Connection Between the FBI, Secret Service, White Supremacists and McVeigh.† Soldier of Fortune September 2001, Vol. 26, 9. 30-34. Fromkin, David. (1975). The Strategy of Terrorism. Foreign Affairs (pre-1986); ABI/INFORM Global: 1975.

Confessions of an Economic Hitman

Confessions of an Economic Hit man john Perkins The reasons as to why I selected this contain was heavily weighted on my personalized interests. The fact that I am evoke in matters of sparingals, imperialism, capitalism and deception and decadence on a administration level, do reviewing Confessions of an stintingal come upon man an pleasurable experience. For them, this is a war close the excerpt of their children and cultures, while for us it is about power, bullion and natural resources.It is one part of the p ar for land domi people and the dream of a few greedy men, orbiculate conglomerate. (prologue) If confessions of an economic Hit man had to be summarised in a sentence, the recognition above should bid you the reader briefly a full general inquest into whatever of the of import topics of discussion in the view as. The write ( canful Perkins) describes in great judgment the conflicts of interests between the developed and the developing humanit y whilst integrating his life travel as part of a riveting and engrossing novel.The book begins in the 1960s and the designer gives a personal account of his life, family and fosterage threw till 1971, the year in which john Perkins became an Economic Hit man. Confessions of an economic Hit man tells a rumor of how nates Perkins amongst others exploited oil merchandise countries much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Venezuela and Indonesia rightful(prenominal) now to name a few names, in army for them to become indebted(predicate)(predicate) to the linked States of America. flush toilet Perkins goes into grave detail in explaining how America has become probably the near regnant political and economic power in the creative activity.The elements of genius and deception commingle with the strategic approaches of the so called economic realize men (EHMs) gives an insight as to how these oil rich countries become indebted to the powerhouses of America such as the outstanding engineering science corporations, banks, chief operating officers and politicians. In order to explain how EHMs go about their work, the author has chosen to bring about lineaments to the mafia, by these references it can be to a lower placestood unless how these strategies where implemented in to helping the American economy grow according to the views, expressions and experiences of rear obliterate Perkins. Like our counterparts in the mafia EHMs provide favors. These take the forms of loanwords to develop infrastrucure electric generating plants, highways, ports airports or industrial parks. (prolouge) EHMs pronounce the idea of taking out openhanded loans to the leaders of about of the countries named previously. The main intention of providing countries these inflated loans, is in the end for these countries to c belessness on the loan payments and in turn to be indebted to the USA.An important part of the process was reservation sure the infrastructure that was to be make, was built by American engineering firms such as MAIN, which buttocks Perkins initially worked for. This element was important as a large sum of the loan was instantly injected digest in to the American economy via the engineering firms. If the EHMs are completely successful and the default on the loan payments occurs (which it inevitably will) whence as the author puts it so sanitary when this happens, because handle the mafia we require our pound of flesh (prologue).As a result America often bob up out to command round of the following realise over join Nations votes, the installation of array bases, or access to resources such as oil. Thus a country has been added to the spheric conglomerate. The author tries to diagnose what is unseasonable with the strategic closings cosmos do by the American governing, himself and other economic hit men in the non original by showing the consequences the strate gic decisions set about. Not scarcely on the ones who reap the benefits from these decisions but of those who are affected negatively.An example of this is how the indigenous mass of Ecuador were affected by the oil companies assail the real environments in which those people fail and the destruction of cultures, habitats, wildlife and the people of Ecuador who lived in such areas. To give another example as to what is slander with the strategic decisions made in the old in regards to the whiz, the Mafia reference can be referred to once again. Mafia bosses often start out as street thugs. But over metre, the ones who make it to the top transform their appearance.They take to eating away impeccably tailored suits and owning legitimate line of reasoninges. They are quick to lend money to those in desperate straits They appear to be poser citizens. However beneath this patina is a trail of blood (page 139) Using the mafia analogy it is receive to diagnose what is upon w ith the strategic decisions that attain been made in the past and are still being made now in regards to, how governments and EHMs depart behind trails of blood just as Mafia bosses can in order to carry out their line of products.But the model citizens who are in disguise such as EHMs are seen in a completely different light in that to crime lords. Many strategies have been devised by empires over centuries, these strategies and decisions have helped shape the gentleman as it is in its present state. The author explains how strategic decisions made in the past were the wrong decisions in his faith, as lav Perkins had seen first-class honours degree hand the devastation that could be caused by the American government in its pursuit for a spheric empire.An example of this is how in the 1960s, a appoint schema was being implemented by the arena governments. This was the strike from neoclassical economic science to Keynesian political economy. In America this switch happe ned under the reigns of presidents Kennedy and bunsson. The switch to Keynesian political economy meant that the government would play a study situation in managing markets and in regards to social welfare health, unemployment, compensation and other forms of welfare. This now meant that government intervention was at an all time high.The author explains how a one Robert McNamara who at the time was the secretary of defense and thusly went on to become the president of the instauration Bank, had the single most important mildew on the switch to Keynesian economics. McNamara became a brawny advocate of a Keynesian approach to government, using mathematical models and statistical approaches to determine troop levels, allocation of funds, and other strategies. His advocacy of aggressive leadership became a hallmark not exclusively of government managers but besides of corporate executives.It create the basis of a untested philosophic approach to teaching management at the nations top business schools, and it ultimately led to a reinvigorated breed of CEOs who would spearhead the rush to global empire. (page 79) The author goes on to stress the splendour of such an event and how the decisions which lead up to Robert McNamara decorous the president of the most powerful bank in the world. The strategic decision of developing and switching to Keynesian economics which lead to the World Bank becoming an agent in the global empire was draw by the author as Robert McNamaras greatest and most ill contribution to hi humbug. page 79) most other key Strategic decision made in 1975 this time by potty Perkins was one which shaped global economics at the time. It was that of an innovative approach to economic vaticination originally formed by a Russian mathematician. This was the Markhov method of economic modeling. The strategic decision made by the protagonist in this case behind Perkins was one that would affect entire societies. Of vogue as explain ed before a EHMs role was to land large loans upon the shoulders of countries which would not be capable to afford the repayment of these loans. It was on the button what we wanted a tool that scientifically proved we were doing countries a favour by helping them incur debts they would never be able to pay off. In addition, unless a highly skilled econometrist with lots of time and money would peradventure comprehend the intricacies of markhov or question its conclusions. (page 102) in concert with the help of a Dr Nadipuram Prasad, John Perkins presented Markhov as a revolutionary method for forecasting investment on infrastructure. Now sanction with facts and figures, EHMs such as John Perkins became very successful at what they did.This shows what was fundamentally wrong with USA at the time as the implementation of such devious strategy was used to exploit countries who had lesser knowledge economically and who were desperate to have a high flying economy like that of the US and also emulate some of the US infrastructure, such as shop malls and airports. The author tries to make it fundamentally spend that the strategic decisions made by himself and the American government were wrong in any sense of the imagination.The author paints men such as George Bush, George Shultz and Robert McNamara with the same brush. He believes under their regimes people like himself were pawns in a game in which such men wanted the result to be an the States that controlled the world and all its resources, a world that answered to the commands of that the States, a U. S military that would go by means of rules as they were written by america, and an international trade and banking system that supported america as CEO of the global empire. (page 155) by means of the experiences of the protagonist and the guilt that was felt through such a personal journey John Perkins makes his confessions clear but also tries to lead the reader into new strategic directions and inf luence society along the way. John Perkins basically admits to feeling regret for some of his actions but through his writings he tried to correct some of his past mistakes as he aims to educate a new generation on some of the putridness which shapes all of our futures. Most significantly this story moldiness be told because to solar day, for the first time in history, one nation has the ability, the money and the power t wobble all this.It is the nation where I was innate(p) and the one I served as an EHM the United States of America (page 219) An example of this is how John Perkins makes references and implications as to how the most powerful firms in the world have at their disposal, quite essentially the power and money to change global problems such as starvation and commonalty diseases. the big corporations, banks and government bureaucracies that threaten the democracy could be used instead to engraft fundamental changes in the world.Such institutions own the communicat ions networks and transportation systems necessary to end disease, starvation, and even wars if they could only be convert to take that course. page 128) To this example, John Perkins mentions it on numerous occasions but this quotation would best sum up how John Perkins tries to influence the reader on reviewing new strategic directions. John Perkins does not only attempt to influence entire societies or countries as shown with the previous examples but he also attempts to interact with the reader.In the epilog John Perkins interacts with the reader and attempts to influence the reader in implementing new strategies in their lives in an attempt to make a battle on some of the issues discussed in this book review. An example of this is where John Perkins states so the agitate falls on to you to see the integrity beneath the veneer and to expose it. pronounce to your family and friends spread the word. (page 221). In regard to this John Perkins attempts to influence peoples day to day lives, from downsizing homes, wardrobes cars and to even flip meditation instead of shopping.He then goes on to mention household discolouration names such as Nike, McDonalds and coca Cola in a clear attempt to influence the reader that these organizations have the ability to make their primary goals to fit and feed the worlds poorest. John Perkins almost pushes the idea of equality on the reader as he uses his dependable beliefs to try and make the reader project new strategic directions as strategy after all is not just something that is implemented on a business level but something that can be implemented in ones life.My opinion of this novel is that I have found it to be enthralling and the melodic phrase the protagonist makes is a very persuade and detailed one. It is clear to see that the feelings of the protagonist are extremely strong. So, however strong his argument, one must consider that the story is that of one mans opinion and in all probability, pos sibly biased. The main argument the protagonist makes is that of one that takes me behind to the very first quotation I had used from the book, that of greedy men, and global empire and how it is shaping the world and how essentially things must change.An example of why the story of John Perkins could be found so persuade is an example of todays sure economic climate. The greed of the some of the worlds largest banks has lead to a time out in which very few may have predicted. This corner has of course caused umpteen of us to struggle. I believe locomote could have been taken to stop this if such high levels of deception were not amongst the CEOs and corporate leaders of some of the worlds leading pecuniary institutions.As I do find the protagonists story and argument convincing I do not agree with it, as in a time of extreme capitalism and globalization many of us are powerless to stop events described in the novel and a current example of todays recession from happening. Overall the book was a more than an interesting read and possibly an meat opener to many who do not have knowledge or appreciation of some of the views expressed in the book. So I would not hesitate to exhort this to anyone who takes similar interest into economics, imperialism and government corruption as I have. Word matter 2028