The Eighteenth-Century Piano Sonata In MLA Format Essay

The Eighteenth-Century Piano Sonata In MLA Format - Essay Example Looking at the list of musical directions today one may wonder why the subject of those listening to classical music is not brought up. The reason is that, as sad as it is, less and less people today are familiar with classical music and an even smaller number of people can distinguish between composers of the classical era. The eras I am going to deal with are the Baroque and Classical eras. In history, the period from 1600 to 1750 is known as the Baroque era. Dance, music, architecture, art - everything in the Baroque era was on a grand scale. It was a magnificent era that brought about smart, dignified, talented people and bright creations. What is remarkable is that during the Baroque era people's interest was drawn to instrumental music more than ever (Encyclopedia Britannica). The instruments that were mostly popular in this time period were the keyboard instruments counting the clavichord, harpsichord, piano, and organ (Brainrad). These clavichord instruments sweeped away the renaissance popularity of softer viol string instruments. The soft violin was replaced by the more rough, more aggressive and expressive violin, viola, and cello. These instruments were not only in use of composers. At the beginning of the eighteenth century when music played an everyday part in most people's lives, most of the citizens were capable of playing (Classical Music Pages). We must remember that during the Baroque period the foundations of music for the next centuries were given. Moreover, the idea of the modern orchestra and opera was born. Also, in the Baroque period composers came to be the servants of nobility and clergymen. According to Brairad, as music was very popular at that time it was used "to show off", thus the music grew "showy and complicated". While music during the epoch of Baroque can be described as bright, chaotic, unexpected, and frivolous, the music of the Classical era was very different. In my paper I am touching upon both Classical and Baroque era s because the composers I am going to talk about later composed at the turn of these two centuries, representing both eras equally. The Classical period started late in the eighteenth century and it focused on the opposite types of sounds that Baroque musicians paid strong attention to ((History of Classical Music). Classical music was arranged, organized, well-planned and accurate.  

European Court of Justice Turner v Grovit and Harada Essay

European Court of Justice Turner v Grovit and Harada - Essay Example Anti-suit injunction is defined as â€Å"an order of the court requiring the injunction defendant not to commence or to cease to pursue, or not to advance particular claims within, or to take steps to terminate or suspend court or arbitration proceedings in a foreign country†1. The definition of anti-suit injunction claims that under this legal framework, none of the defendants or plaintiffs can take the assistance to obtain undue advantages of a foreign legislation apart from the country wherein the dispute took place. It is usually observed in case of cross-border disputes that the litigants perceive that they can take the advantage by shifting the proceedings in their home country, with the expectation to obtain a favourable judgement to the case ruling2. In order to disregard this belief of the litigants, anti-suit injunction has been introduced3.Arguably, anti-suit injunctions are often regarded as interference to the disputes in foreign courts. Addressing this particular issue, the discussion henceforth will evaluate whether the considerable of anti-suit injunction as an act of interference by a foreign court is justifiable. Illustrative examples will also be sought from various cases, including the landmark case of Turner v Grovit (C-159/02) [2005] 1 AC 101 in order to strengthen the rationalization of the arguments in this essay. The case of Turner v Grovit, decided in April 2004, is considered one of the landmark cases in the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which apparent denotes the legislative implications of anti-suit injunctions to the principle of lis alibi pendens. This case became the basis for the explanation of anti-suit injunction as Turner, the plaintiff, was granted with anti-suit injunction, as a measure to restrict the application of the rule given in correspondence to the re-appeal of the defendant (i.e. Harald Ltd.) in the Spanish court4.  

Evaluation Methods in Empirical Economics

Evaluation Methods in Empirical Economics Evaluation methods in empirical economics fall into five broad categories; each provides an alternative approach for constructing the counterfactual. Alternative evaluation methods depend on several criteria like; a) nature of the program i.e. whether the program/policy is local or national, small scale or global, b) nature of questions to be answered, and c) nature of data available (Blundell and Dias 2000). Heckman et.al (1997, 1998a,b) showed that data quality is also a crucial ingredient for the determination of the appropriate estimation strategy. Both in the case of large scale and small scale impact evaluation work, randomized assignment is often used. It is a fair allocation rule. Because the program manager ensures that, every eligible person or unit has the same chance of receiving the program. When the observation will be very large, any characteristic (either observed or unobserved) will flow through treatment and comparison group; if they are created through randomised assignment. An evaluation is internally valid; if it uses a valid comparison group; and when the impact estimated in the evaluation sample can be generalised to the total population, that evaluation will be called externally valid. Randomized assignment is used, when there exists excess demand for a program and when a program needs to be phased until it covers the entire population. (Gertler et.al 2011). In the Progresa program, where cash was transferred to poor mothers in rural Mexico for their children’s enrolment in school; Schultz (2004) based on the randomized assignment found that, educational grants to rural poor mothers had an effect on the enrolment.. In the paper â€Å"Expanding credit access: using Randomized Decisions to estimate the Impacts’, (Karlan and Zinman 2008), the authors concluded that, marginal loans produced significant net benefits for borrowers over a wide range of outcome by using randomized experiment. In assessing the effect of performance based payment on the use and quality of maternal and child health services provided by health-cares in Rwanda, Basinga et.al (2011) concluded that, financial performance incentives (i.e. payment for performance) could improve the use and quality of maternal and child health services. Vermeersch by using randomised technique examined that, school participation was 30% greater in twenty five Kenyan schools where a free breakfast was introduced than in twenty five comparison schools( Vermeersch 2002). Kremer et.al (2002) evaluated a program where a nongovernmental organisation provided uniforms, textbooks, and classroom construction to seven schools that were randomly chosen from fourteen poorly performing schools in Kenya and found that, dropout rates was considerably low in treatment schools. In evaluating a twice-yearly school based mass treatment program in Kenya, where inexpensive de-worming drugs were provided ( as intestinal worm among children was highly prevalent) in seventy five schools which were randomly selected, Miguel and Kremer (2003a) found that, the absenteeism rate in treatment schools lowered down by 25%. From randomized evaluation , it was found that, provision of textbooks in schools in Kenya increased the test scores by about 0.2 standard deviation, but there was an increase in test score of those students who had scored well (top 20-40%) in the pre-test exam before the intervention of the program. They also found that, text book provision didn’t affect the test scores of bottom 60% students (Glewwe et.al 2002). Seva mandir, an Indian NGO, runs in Indian villages, introduced a program, where a second teacher (preferably woman) was randomly assigned to twenty one out of forty two schools in non formal education centres. Banerjeee et.al(2002) evaluated this program by monitoring the attendance of both teachers and children and found that, the number of closing days reduced after the introduction of the program (i.e. 44% in one- teacher and 39% in two- teacher). They also found the participation of girls also increased. Banerjee et.al (2003) evaluated the impact of a remedial education program introduced by Pratham, an Indian NGO, where young women were hired from the communities and were providing remedial education to children in Government school. On an average, after two years of the program, they found that, the test scores of the students increased by 0.39 standard deviation. Moreover, the bottom level children gained the largest out of this program. They also concluded that, hiring remedial education teachers from community is 10 times more cost effective than hiring new teachers. Glewwe et.al (2003) evaluated a program where parent school committees were providing gifts to teachers whose students were performing well and concluded that, the test scores f the students who were a part of the program initially increased but later on fell back to the level of comparison group at the end of the program. In the evaluation of a Colombian program for extending the coverage of secondary school ( Programa de Amlplication de cobertura de la Education Secundaris), where vouchers for private schools were allocated by lottery due to the limitation of program’s budget, Angrist et.al (2002) took the advantage of randomly assigned treatment and found that, lottery winners were 15-20% more likely to attend private schools, 10% more likely to complete the 8th grade and scored on an average 0.2 standard deviation higher on standardised tests. Randmised promotion method is similar to that of the randomised offerings. Under this method, we randomly select the units to whom we promote the treatment; instead of randomly selecting units to whom we offer the treatment. By doing so, we leave the program open for every unit. There are three types of units under randomised promotion method:1) Always- always they want to enrol in the program, 2) Enroll- If- Promoted- they will enrol only when additional promotion is provided, 3)Never- they will never enrol in the program; whether the promotion is offered or not ( Gertler 2011). Both Gertler et.al (2008)[1] and Newman et.al (2002)[2] used the randomised promotion technique as an impact evaluation tool. In impact evaluation, Regression discontinuity design method will e used for a program that have a continuous eligibility index with a clearly defined cut-off score to determine the eligibility of the participants (Gertler 2011). In assessing the effect of social assistance program, which was funded through the Canadian Assistance plan, in Quebec, Canadain in labor market outcome, Lemieux and Milligan (2005) by using regression discontinuity design method by limiting the sample to men found that, access to greater social assistance benefits reduced employment by about 4.5 percent for men. To study the impact of school fee reduction program on school enrolment in the city of Bogota, Colombia, Barrera-Osario et.al (2007) used regression discontinuity design method and found a positive impact on school enrolment rates. Regression discontinuity design method was also used t evaluate a social safety net initiative in Jamaica. In 2001, the Government of Jamaica initiated a program namely, Program of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), where grants was given to children in eligible poor households on the condition of regular attendance and health visits. Levy and Ohis (2007) by using regression discontinuity design found that, PATH program increased school attendance for children ages 6 to 17 by an average of 0.5 days per month. Likewise, Matinez(2004)[3] and Filmer and Schady (2009)[4] also used regression discontinuity design method to study the impact of a program. Propensity score matching method pairs each program participants with a single nonparticipant, where pairing is done on the basis of the degree of similarity in the estimated probability of participating in the program (Smith and Todd 2001). In measuring the impact of training program on trainee’s earning, Lalonde (1986) by comparing both experimental and non experimental results concluded that, non experimental methods are subjected to specification errors and also suggested to be aware while implementing these methods. Dehejia and Wahba (1998,1999) by using NSW data concluded that, matching approaches are generally more reliable thangeneral econometric estimators as they found that, matching estimators were able to produce a result which was a replicate of experimental NSW result. Smith and Todd (2005a) argued that, PSM does not solve the selection problem which was studied by Lalonde. [1] Gertler et.al (2008) evaluated the impact of a maternal and child health insurance program in Argentina. [2] Newman et.al (2002) evaluated a program where social investment fund was provided for small scale investments in education, health and water infrastructure in Bolivia. [3] Matinez(2004) studied the effect of old age pension program on consumption. [4] Filmer and Schady(2009) studied the impact of scholarship in school enrolment and testscores of poor students in Colombia.

The Death Penalty;Does It Deter Crime :: essays research papers

Does the Death Penalty Deter Crime? Scientific studies have consistently failed to find convincing evidence that the death penalty deters crime more effectively than other punishments. The most recent survey of research findings on the relation between the death penalty and homicide rates, conducted for the United Nations in 1988 and updated in 1996, concluded: "Research has failed to provide scientific proof that executions have a greater deterrent effect than life imprisonment and such proof is unlikely to be forthcoming. The evidence as a whole still gives no positive support to the deterrent hypothesis..." (Reference: Roger Hood, The Death Penalty: A World-wide Perspective, Oxford, Clarendon Press, revised edition, 1996, p. 238, paragraph 328) w.web.amnesty.org The death penalty has never deterred crime. When the death penalty was reinstated in the 1970’s crime rates were sky high. In research conducted for the United Nations in 1996, crime rates were the same as those in the 70’s. Depending on the exact year since the death penalty was reinstated in the U.S. crime rates have dipped or risen 10-15%. Normally the ladder. In the United Sates we call the death penalty, capital punishment. The word capital speaks of the head. This is because throughout history the most common way of executing criminals was by severing the head. Now when I hear capital punishment I will be reminded of something even more grotesque and morbid than previously. In a survey taken by prisoners serving life terms, 55-60% said that they would have rather received the death penalty than life terms. www.religioustolerance.org/execute.htm It seems to me that, since more prisoners would prefer to be killed, it is a lesser form of punishment. However that by no means makes this cruel and degrading form of punishment acceptable. We are denying the right of life. Regardless of the fact that those on death row did take that right away from another human being, it is not our place to take theirs.

Business Analysis and Valuation Exam Notes

Topic 7: NOA1=NOA0+OIt – (C1-I1) NFO1=NFO0+NFE1 – (C1-I1)+d1 NFA1=NFA0+NFI1 – (C1-I1)-d1 CSE1=CSE0+OI1 – NFE1 – d1 NI1=OI1 – NFE1 (C1-I1) = d1+F1 d1=div+ share buyback – share issues F=net purchases of FAs – interest on FAs – net issue of debt + Interest on debt d=C-I+NFI-NFA d=C-I-NFE+NFO FCF=OI-NOA (Method 1) FCF=NFA-NFI+d (Method 2) FCF=NFO+NFE+d CSE=NOA+NFA/(-NFO) CSE1=CSE0+Earnt-dt Net Operating Accruals = OI1 – C1 or NOA – I1 If C-I-i > d: lend or buy down debt. If C-I-i < d: borrow or reduce lending. The rate of return from investing in a firms’ stock is its holding period return. [(div+P1)/P0]. Topic 8:Reformulated CSE Statement CSE0 +Net transactions with s/holders +Share issues – Share buy backs – Dividends +Comprehensive Income +NI reported +/- securities avail. For sale +/- currency translations +/- hedging +/- prior earnings restatements CSE1 Table 8. 1 of Dirty Surplus Item s: OI Items Changes in accting for contingencies Additional minimum pension liability Tax benefits of loss carry-forwards acquires Tax benefits of dividends paid to ESOPs Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities avail. For sale Some adjustments of deferred tax valuation allowances funding status of pension plans Financing inc (or exp) itemsPreferred dividends Unrealized gains on losses on debt securities avail. For sale Operating or Financing inc items F. C. translation gains (losses) Gains(losses) on derivative instruments for hedging purposes Restatement of prior years’ income due to accting principles. Bal/sheet items to be reclassified Credits to s/holders’ equity for stock compensation exp. Dividends payable. Topic 9: Effective tax rate for operations Tax on OIOI before tax ReOI1=OI1 – ( – 1) NOA0 Operating PM from sales OI from Sales (after tax)Sales Net CI Margin = CI/Sales RNOA = OI/Ave. NOA NBC = NFE/Ave. NFO RNFA = NFI/Ave. NFA ROCE = Ea rn (CI)/Ave.CSE OLLEV = OL/NOA Capitalization Ratio = NOA/CSE FLEV = NFO/CSE SPREAD = RNOA – NBC Reformulated Bal/sheet FAs: Cash equivalents S/T investments S/T notes receivable* L/T debt investments FLs: S/T borrowings Current maturities on L/T debt S/T note payable* L/T borrowings Lease obligations Preferred stock OAs & OLs: All else Minority Interest CSE *notes are FA/Ls if they bear the mkt rate of interest. L/T equity investments are usually OAs if they are a >20% holding, recorded at mkt value if avail. for sale or, at cost if held to maturity. S/T equity/marketable investments are OAs if part of a trading portfolio.If used mop up excess cash = FA. Minority interest is a separate line item. And NOA – NFO = CSE + Minority Int. Reformulated Income Statement Net sales -Expenses to generate sales =OI from sales (before tax) -Tax on OI from sales +Tax as reported +Tax benefit from NFE – Tax allocated to other OI =OI from sales (after tax) Other OI (exp) requir ing tax alloc. Restructuring charges and asset impair. Merger exps Gains/Losses on asset sales Gains/Losses on security transactions -Tax on other OI After-tax operating items Equity share in subsidiary income Operating items in extraordinary inc Dirty surplus op. items in Table 8. Hidden dirty surplus op. items OI (after tax) -NFE (after tax) +Interest exp -Interest inc. Realized gains/losses on FAs =NFE before tax -Tax benefit from NFE =NFE after tax Gains/loss on debt retirement +unrealized holding loss D-S items in Table 8. 1 (incl. Pref. dividends) Hidden d-s financing items -Minority Interest =Comp. Income to common Topic 10: Reformulated CF Statement CF from operations +Reported cash from op. Net cash interest payments after tax – CF from investing +Reported cash from inv. +Liquidation of assets +Sale of assets +Maturities of assets – Purchases of Assets Working Cash =FCF from op. ctivities Net Dividends +Dividends +Share buy back – Share issue +Net Debt Financing Cash and Cash Equivalents + net payments to d/holders and issuers =Cash paid for financing activities Topic 11: ROCE = RNOA+[FLEV(RNOA-NBC)] Implicit int. on OL= S/T borrowing rate (after tax) OL ROOA=OI+Implicit Int. (aft. tax)OA RNOA=ROOA+(OLLEVOLSPREAD)OLSPREAD = ROOA – S/T borrowing rate (after tax) ROA=NI+Int Exp (aft. tax)Ave Total Assets Minority interest is added to numerator if any. 2 Drivers of RNOA: RNOA = PM ATO PM = OI (aft. Tax)/Sales ATO = Sales/NOA (usually expressed as 1/ATO) PM Drivers: PM = Sales PM + other items PMSales PM=Gross margin ratio – Exp ratios =GMsales-Admin. expsales-Sell. expsales-R&Dsales-Operating taxessales Other Op. items PM=subsidiary incsales+other equity incsales+Special itemssales+other gains and lossessales Drivers of ATO (1/ATO) can be broken down into ratios for the individual assets and liabilities. Drivers of NBC is calculated from the weighted average of the costs for different sources of net financing. NBC=FONFO ? aft. tax int. on FOFO-FANFO? aft. tax on FAFA-FANFO? Unrealized gains on FAFA+Pref. stockNFO? Pref. DivPref. stock+†¦ Topic 12: OI = Core OI from sales + Core Other OI + Unusual ItemsRNOA=Core OI from SalesNOA+Core other OINOA+UINOA Core OI from salesNOA=Core sales PM? ATO=Core OI from salesSales? SalesATO NBC=Core NFENFO+UFENFO RNOA1=(core sales PM1ATO0) +(ATO1Core Sales PM1) +(core other OI/NOA)+ (UI/NOA) Changes in core sales PM are driven by variable and fixed costs. Sales PM = (Sales – VC – FC)/Sales Contribution Margin Ratio = 1 – (VC/Sales) OLEV=CM ratio/PM %Core OI=OLEV%Core sales CSE1=(sales11/ATO0) +[(1/ATO1)Sales1] – NFO1 Reformulated OI Core OI Core Sales Rev. Core CoS = Core GM Core Op. Exp. = Core OI from sales bef. Tax Tax on core OI from sales +Tax as reported +Tax benefit from NFETax alloc To core other OI Tax alloc to UI = Core OI from sales + Core other OI + Equity income in subsidiaries + Earnings on pension assets + Other conti nuing inc not from sales Tax on core other OI = Core OI Unusual Items Special charges Special liability accruals Nonrecurring items Asset write-downs estimates Start-up costs expensed P/L from asset sales Restructuring charges P/L from discon operations Extraordinary op items Accounting charges Unrealized g/l on equity investments Gains from share issues Currency gains and losses Derivative g/l (operations) Tax allocated to unusual items = Comprehensive OI Topic 13: Earnings component: i) Operating income (ii) Net financial expense (iii) Earnings Book value component: (i) NOA (ii) NFO (iii) CSE Residual Earnings measure: (i) ReOI1 = OI1 – (F – 1) NOA0 (ii) ReNFE1 = NFE1 – (D – 1) NFO0 (iii) RE1 = Earn1 – (E – 1) CSE0 Value of NFO: V0NFO=NFO+ReNFET? D+CVT? DT Value of NOA: V0NOA=NOA0+ReOIT? F+CVT? FT Value of Equity: V0E=CSE0+ReOIT? F+CVT? FT NFO is usually measured at market value. Therefore forecasted ReNFE are zero. Usually: VoE=V0NOA-V0NF O But with ReNFE = 0, VE = VNOA Drivers of RE: RE1 = [ROCE1 – (E – 1)] CSE0 (1) amount of s/holders’ investment (2) rate of return on investment relative to E.Drivers of ReOI: ReOI1 = [RNOA1 – (F – 1)] NOA0 (1) amount of NOA put in place (2) profitability of assets relative to F. Drivers of ReNFE: ReNFE1 = [NBC1 – (D – 1)] NFO0 (1) amount of net financial debt (2) NBC relative to D. AEG Measure (i) AOIG=[OI1 + (F – 1)FCF0] – FOI0 (ii) ANFEG=[NFE1+(D – 1)F0] – DNFE0 (iii) AEG=[Earn1+(E-1)d0] – EEarn0 V0NOA=1? F-1OI1+AOIGT? F Cost of capital: ?E=? F+VoDV0E? F-? D P/B Ratio: V0ECSE0=V0NOANOA0+NFO0CSE0V0NOANOA0-1 Forward P/E ratio: V0EEarn1=V0NOAOI1+ELEV1V0NOAOI1-1NBC1 ELEV = NFE/Earnings Trailing P/E ratio: V0E+d0Earn0=V0NOA+FCF0OI0 +ELEV0V0NOA+FCF0OI0-1NBC0-1

Honor Killing in India Essay

An honor killing or honour killing (also called a customary killing) is the murder of a member of a family or social group by other members, due to the belief of the perpetrators (and potentially the wider community) that the victim has brought dishonour upon the family or community. Honour killings are directed mostly against women and girls. The perceived dishonor is normally the result of one of the following behaviors, or the suspicion of such behaviors: a. dressing in a manner unacceptable to the family or community, b. wanting to terminate or prevent an arranged marriage or desiring to marry by own choice, c. engaging in heterosexual sexual acts outside marriage, or even due to a non-sexual relationship perceived as inappropriate, and d. engaging in homosexual acts. Women and girls are killed at a much higher rate than men. Recently, there has been a spate of honor killings in the country and this has led the government to decide what laws should be put in place to stop this heinous crime. Also whether the Hindu Marriage Act should be reformed or not is being debated. So what is the definition of honour killing and what leads families to commit this heinous crime so that they can protect their family honour? Is this practice prevalent only in India or is it prevalent in other parts of the world also? What are the misconceptions regarding honour killing and what are the solutions to stop this crime from spreading? These are the questions that society find the answer†¦ In my opinion Honour killing is defined as a death that is awarded to a woman of the family for marrying against the parent’s wishes, having extramarital and premarital relationships, marrying within the same gotra or outside one’s caste or marrying a cousin from a different caste. Read more: Essay About India Crime Rate Honour killing is different from the dowry deaths that are also a very common practice in India as, in the case of dowry deaths, the perpetrators of that action claim that they have not been given enough material rewards for accepting the woman into the family. In that case there is a lot of harassment from the in-laws and more times than one, it has been noted that the wife commits suicide rather than being killed by the in-laws, though it has to be said that she has been mentally killed, if not physically. We have had a tradition of honour killing. This tradition was first viewed in its most horrible form during the Partition of the country in between the years 1947 and 1950 when many women were forcefully killed so  that family honour could be preserved. Now, there are various reasons why people or family members decide to kill the daughter in the name of preserving their family honour. The most obvious reason for this practice to continue in India, albeit, at a much faster and almost daily basis, is because of the fact that the caste system continues to be at its rigid best and also because people from the rural areas refuse to change their attitude to marriage. According to them, if any daughter dares to disobey her parents on the issue of marriage and decides to marry a man of her wishes but from another gotra or outside her caste, it would bring disrepute to the family honour and hence they decide to give the ultimate sentence, that is death, to the daughter. Now as has become the norm, the son-in-law is killed as well. Sociologists believe that the reason why honour killings continue to take place is because of the continued rigidity of the caste system. Hence the fear of losing their caste status through which they gain many benefits makes them commit this heinous crime. The other reason why honour killings are taking place is because the mentality of people has not changed and they just cannot accept that marriages can take place in the same gotra or outside one’s caste. The root of the cause for the increase in the number of honour killings is because the formal governance has not been able to reach the rural areas and as a result. Thus, this practices continues though it should have been removed by now. There are various misconceptions regarding the practice of honor killing. The first misconception about honor killing is that this is a practice that is limited to the rural areas. The truth is that it is spread over such a large geographical area that we cannot isolate honor killings to rural areas only, though one has to admit that majority of the killings take place in the rural areas. But it has also been seen recently that even the metropolitan cities like Delhi and Tamil Nadu are not safe from this crime because 5 honor killings were r eported from Delhi and in Tamil Nadu; a daughter and son in law were killed due to marriage into the same gotra. So it can be seen clearly that honor killing is not isolated to rural areas but also to urban areas and as already pointed out, it has a very wide geographical spread. The second misconception regarding honor killing is that it has religious roots. Even if a woman commits adultery, there have to be four male witnesses with good behavior and reputation to validate the charge. Furthermore only the State can carry out judicial  punishments, but never an individual vigilante. So, we can clearly see that there is no religious backing or religious roots for this heinous crime. What can we do to prevent such a thing from happening? Firstly, the mentality of the people has to change. And when we say that the mentality has to change, we mean to say that parents should accept their children’s wishes regarding marriage as it is they who have to lead a life with their life partners and if they are not satisfied with their life partner then they will lead a horrible married life which might even end in suicide. Secondly, we need to have stricter laws to tackle these kinds of killings as this is a crime which cannot be pardoned because. Humans do not have the right to write down death sentences of innocent fellow humans. More Choice :: Honour killing can be defined as the homicide of the member of a family or social group by other members due to the belief of the perpetrators that the victim has brought dishonour upon the family or community. In most of the cases, honour killings are mostly directed against the women especially in the South Asian and Middle Eastern Islamic cultures. Sadly, this culture is prevalent in some parts of the Indian society too. Mainly the method of honor killing is adopted when a girl goes against the wishes of her family and marries a guy who does not belong to her own community. In some of these cases, both the boy and the girl are killed either secretly by the family members and even openly claiming that the respective boy or girl have bought dishonour and disrespect to the family and to the society or community as a whole. Each and every individual has the right to live his or her own life according to their own wishes. After attaining the age of 18 and 21 by the girl and the boy respectively, the family has no right to force them into marriage or any other act if they are unwilling to do so. If an individual be it a boy or a girl feels that he or she wants to marry according to their wishes, their parents should accept the wishes. In fact, parents only desire to see their children happy and if the children are happy, the parents should let them do what they desire. But for a number of families, their status and position in the society is so much more important than their kids that they do not mind killing them or sacrificing them just to maintain their desired status. Only one question comes into the mind of all the  people- Is the society more important than your children? When asked all will say that their children are more important. But in some of the cases the reality is totally different. These people who kill their children for the breach of so called code of conduct of their societies are actually only concerned about their status and position in the society. Such people can be termed as criminals who are far more dangerous than the terrorists. Terrorists kill people who are unknown to them. But these people who support honour killing and are a part of it are heartless because only a heartless individual can kill someone they love and that too for a baseless reason. The government of India has formulated laws against honour killing but still this inhuman practice exists. In my opinion people involved in honour killing should also be treated as criminals and should be punished as severely as possible. Even capital punishment should be offered to these individuals so that they realize that how painful death was to the person they killed. More choices :: Alarmed by the rise of honour killings,Government is planning to bring a bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament next month to provide for deterrent punishment for ‘honour’ killings. â€Å"We have already finalised a draft and the bill should come in the next session,† Law Minister M Veerappa Moily told . He said that the bill envisages amendments to several related acts, including the Evidence Act and the onus would be on the accused to prove their innocence. His comments came a day after the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to centre and states government to file reports on the murders of young couples and asked them how they can stop such killings and what the government and the states have done in this regard. Supreme court on Honour killing The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and nine States on a PIL seeking directions to the Union government to make law to protect young couples from Honour killings. A vacation bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and A K Patnaik issued notices on a petition filed by an NGO Shaktivahini alleging that young couples who dare to defy their families or Khap Panchayat in the matter of marriage are under constant threat from them. It noted the sudden rise in the incidents of honour killing at the instance of Khap Panchayats. Among the states which have been directed to respond to the PIL are Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The apex court had earlier refused to entertain a petition seeking directions to the government to amend Hindu Marriage Act to declare same gotra marriage as illegal. Kiran Bedi on honour killing Veteran police administrator Kiran Bedi said there can be no excuse to sanction murder, whatever the cause, and active policing and serious penal sanctions is the only way to check this dishonourable practice. Besides, any law against honour killing will be effective only when there is a will on the part of the society itself. The suspected honour killing of married couple Kuldeep Singh (26) and Monica (24) – allegedly by Monica’s brother Ankit Nagar and his friend Mandeep Nagar – took a bloody turn early when the body of another woman, Shobha, was found in a car near the couple’s rented house in Ashok Vihar close to the local police station. Shobha was Mandeep’s sister.Whereas Shobha’s uncle supports the killing by saying â€Å"This killing will teach a lesson to the society.† Honour killing in India The latest victims of what caste councils (khap panchayats) call a justified act to protect family’s ‘maryada’ (honour). This councils are found in northern India, particularly in Haryana, Punjab, western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Rajasthan. Every month one honour killing takes place in Punjab. As per data complied for the first time by the Crime wing of the Punjab Police, during the past  two-and-a-half years — from 2008 till date — 34 honour killings have taken place in the state: 10 in 2008, 20 in 2009, four so far in 2010. Of the total 34 cases, 16 were reported from Tarn Taran district. Perhaps one of the most backward areas in Punjab in terms of literacy, Tarn Taran has witnessed the highest number of honour killings in the state. Last month, a newly wed couple was attacked, the girl was killed and the boy grievously injured. The parents of the girl were the main suspects in the case.

Discussion of The Structure of The Influenza Virus and The Influenza Epidemic of 1918 essays

Discussion of The Structure of The Influenza Virus and The Influenza Epidemic of 1918 essays There are three forms of the influenza virus, A, B, and C. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the A and B forms of the virus infect millions of people each year and have been the source of flu epidemics. The influenza A form of the virus is the deadliest and is believed to be the source of the 1918, 1957 and 1968 flu epidemics. (Background: What We Know about the Flu) The CDC explains that influenza C is not thought to cause wide spread epidemics and that the flu shot does not protect against influenza C. (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The Centers for Disease Control also reports that the Influenza A viruses are found in both animals and humans. The CDC explains that the A viruses are placed into subtypes based on proteins that are found on the surface of the virus. (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The two proteins found on the surface of the virus are neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA). (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The CDC goes on to explain that there are nine forms of the neuraminidase protein and fifteen forms of the hemagglutinin protein. (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The CDC also reports that Influenza is spread amongst human beings through the sneezing and cough of an infected individual. Incubation time for influenza is one to four days. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) The CDC explains that adults are infectious from the day before they experience symptoms until 5 days after the onset of the virus. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) On the other hand, children are usually infectious for 10 days and can be infectious for 6 days before the onset of the virus. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) The CDC also reports that individuals that are severely immunocompromised can be infectious for months. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) The symptoms of influenza include respiratory pr...

CHAP13 Essays

CHAP13 Essays CHAP13 Paper CHAP13 Paper Essay Topic: Poetry TRUE/FALSE. The text setting in Alleluia, O virga mediatrix is mostly syllabic ANSWER: FALSE The text Alleluia, O virga mediatrix is from which portion of the Mass? a) the Ordinary b) the Proper B. THE PROPER The texts of the Mass service that are specific to a particular feast day are called the Ordinary false FEASTS OF THE MASS ARE SPECIFIC TO THAT FEAST Which era does this chanson exemplify? a) Ars antiqua b) Ars nova B. ARS NOVA Which statement is NOT true about medieval instrumentalists? They performed only music written specifically for instruments. The medieval French chanson can be described as a secular vocal composition set to a courtly love poem. TRUE The liturgy refers to the set order of services and structure of each service. TRUE. SERVICES TO THE CHURCH. Instrumental music in the Middle Ages was generally improvised rather than played from notation. TRUE Music performed with exchanges between a soloist and chorus is called: responsorial singing Puis quen oubli has no repeated musical sections. FALSE. Puis quen oubli form, IS a basic musical idea the theme is repeated over and over Machauts Puis quon oubli is best classified as: secular music WROTE LOVE SONGS The two main services for the Roman Catholic Church are the daily Offices and the Mass. TRUE Troubadours, medieval poet-musicians from the southern region of France, belonged to: mainly the upper classes and the aristocracy. Most surviving examples of Gregorian chant are anonymous. TRUE A unique feature of Hildegards chant is her occasional use of an upward leap of a fifth, lending an expansive feel to the musi TRUE The text of Machauts chanson tells of courtly love The medieval motet can be characterized as a polyphonic vocal composition, either sacred or secular. true One of the most important forms of polyphonic music fromc 1250 to 1750. Puis quen oubli is in a triple meter with gently syncopated rhythms True Machauts music is rich in affective harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and interplay between double and triple meters. Hildegard was known for all the following EXCEPT: her historical writings about the saints. The vocal range of Puis quen oubli is low, best suited for mens voices true Gregorian chant features regularly phrased melodic lines supported by instrumental accompaniment false The repeated text and music heard in Machauts chanson is: the refrain. Early notation used neumes, little ascending and descending signs written above the words that suggested the shape of the melodic line TRUE NEUMES, are the basic elements of Western and Eastern systems of musical notation prior to the invention of five-line staff notation. The word neume is a Middle English corruption of the ultimately Greek word for breath (pneuma The poems of the troubadour and trouvà ¨re repertory include: a) political and moral songs. b) love songs centered on the idea of unrequited love c) Both a and b. a) political and moral songs. b) love songs centered on the idea of unrequited love c) Both a and b. C. BOTH A AND B In which poetic form is Machauts chanson set A. rondeau The rondeau form calls for a rigid pattern of repetition of verse and refrain, Hildegards chant Alleluia, O virga mediatrix was intended for performance on a feast day for the Virgin. TRUE To which category of medieval instruments do the sackbut and shawm belong? loud (haut) instruments sackbut The sackbut is a trombone from the Renaissance and Baroque eras shawm=The shawm was a medieval and Renaissance musical instrument of the woodwind family made in Europe from the 12th century (at the latest) until the 17th centurY The chants of the church used only the major and minor scale patterns found in later music false A single line melody that consists of a sigle line melody that is monphonic in texture and lacks harmony and counterpoint is know as ? Gregorian chant or Plain chant What are the three main groups of chant melodies Syllabic-one note sung to each syllable of text Neumatic: a small group of up to 5-6 notes sung to a syllable melismatic. long groups of notes set to a single syllable of text modal Western use of a variety of scale patterns or mode. The adjective modal refers to various melodic and harmonic types Series of services offered throughout the day at monasteries and convents Offices what are two of the are divided into two types offices and the mass Collection of prayers that make up the mass falls into what two categories Proper-texts that vary from day to day Ordinary-texts that remain the same in every mass

Another meaning for Dope

Another meaning for Dope Another meaning for Dope Another meaning for Dope By Maeve Maddox This headline on Buzzfeed caused me to do a double-take: The 4 Dopest Quotes From Ruth Bader Ginsburg On Marriage  Equality Initially, I thought the article so headed would list quotations considered by the writer to be especially misguided or stupid (i.e., â€Å"dopey†). As I read further, I realized that the writer admired Associate Justice Ginsberg’s opinions as expressed in the quotations. The word dopest was intended as a compliment. The word dope has a long and checkered history in English. In its original use, dope referred to a thick liquid or semi-fluid used as an article of food or as a lubricant. The word is thought to derive from Dutch doop, â€Å"a dipping† or â€Å"a sauce.† The Dutch verb doopen means â€Å"to dip.† Other meanings related to the gooey nature of dope include or have included: A preparation, mixture, or drug which is not specifically named. A varnish applied to the cloth surface of early airplanes to strengthen and keep them taut. A substance added to gasoline or other fuel to increase its efficiency. Opium, â€Å"especially the thick treacle-like preparation used in opium-smoking.† US speakers extended this use of dope to include stupefying drugs and narcotics in general. A medical preparation given to a racehorse for the purpose of affecting its performance. Various figurative meanings have become attached to dope: Information, especially on a particular subject or of a kind not widely disseminated or easily obtained. Information, a statement, etc., designed to gloss over or disguise facts; flattering or misleading talk. Something designed to deceive or bamboozle; a fraudulent design or action; a piece of deception or humbug. A stupid person, a simpleton, a fool. Dope is also used as a verb to mean â€Å"apply or to administer dope in one of its senses.† The use of dope as an adjective entered English slang in the 1980s, by way of rap music: 1981  J. Spicer Money (song) in L. Stanley Rap: the Lyrics (1992) 301  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yo, man, them boys is dope This record is dope.† (OED) As for the word dopest used in the quotation about Justice Ginsberg, it is a slang expression meaning, â€Å"sickest, coolest, tightest, most awesome.† It is not standard usage and does not convey a positive connotation to speakers of standard English. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Redundant Phrases to AvoidSocial vs. SocietalWhat’s the Best Way to Refer to a Romantic Partner?

Litirature review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Litirature review - Essay Example Strong leadership is a very important ingredient in the success of an organization. A change in the leadership of an organization might result in changes in the organization structure, strategies, policies and the way the organization does it business. Moreover, with the movement of a leader from the organization, the close subordinates also move with the outgoing leader which might result in substantial change in the management of an organization. At the same time, it is important that the employees of the organization must relate to the new leadership. It is important that whenever there is a need to change the leadership of organization, suitable candidates are identified as soon as possible. For this, it is important to identify and nurture young talent in the organization. The transition to a new leader shall be smooth so that the employees do not feel uncomfortable under the changed leadership. Any organization will, for surely have change in its leadership and because of the s ignificant changes undergoing during this period, it is important that the transition is managed in the best possible way. Hence it is important that the area of leadership transition and succession planning is carefully reviewed. This paper will analyze the already existing literature in the area of succession planning, its important and identify the best ways to manage leadership transition. ... Often the area of succession planning is concerned with the succession of leaders. Types of succession planning The process of succession planning needs a thorough understanding of the strategy of the organization. There have been various models of performing succession planning such as ‘relay succession’, ‘horse- race successions’ and ad-hoc succession. While in relay succession, the leaving person identifies an individual, and then grooms the person, horse-race successions are more competitive in nature and the Board decides the successor amongst many candidates. An ad-hoc succession involves selecting the best possible candidate who is present at that particular point of time. In case, firms are not able to identify a potential successor, boards often appoint an interim leader who occupies that position until a permanent person is hired for the position. Of all the ways, relay succession is the most common type of succession planning undertaken by compani es (Brickley et al., 1997). Relation between firm performance and succession planning Previous research has suggested that the performance of an organization is significantly impacted by the succession process adopted. More disruptive succession processes impact the performance of the firms negatively (Zhang and Rajagopalan, 2004). At the same time, the performance after a change in leadership is also impacted by actions of the successor and the internal and external situation of the change (Rowe et al., 2005). The success of a succession planning exercise depends on various factors such as involvement of the outgoing leader, sincerity of the performance review of all the candidates, accurate prediction of the talent need that might arise, and the consistency of

Advanced Writing for Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Advanced Writing for Marketing - Essay Example The document helps the President improve job performance evaluation, in terms of sale manager’s performance. The document is intended to replace the current job evaluation rubric, in terms of the manager’s job benchmarks. The document explains the superiority of the proposed annual report-based benchmark over the current attendance based criteria. It is highly recommended that that annual report, income statement, replace the current job performance benchmark (Weaver 2007 293). The current benchmark pales in comparison with the proposed annual report rubric. The income statement is used by most business entities as job performance yardstick. Judging from the use of the income statement as the standard global criteria, it is highly recommended that you, my president friend, follow suit. Further, implementing your current attendance-based criteria is understandable. You are reducing the manager’s job responsibilities. The human resource department is tasked with collection the attendance reports of the managers. All the managers have to do is to â€Å"time in† by swiping one’s identification card through the attendance machine. When the manager leaves the office, all the manager has to do is to â€Å"log out†. Logging out is done by swiping one’s identification card through the time recording machine strategically located near the entrance / exit pathways. The human resource department presents the attendance report to you, President, indicating your sales managers’ tardiness report. Furthermore, this is comprehensible. Your current impression of the best employee is one who is devoted to one’s job. A loyal employee will normally reduce absences and tardiness to allowable levels. Your company allows excused absences on reasonable ground. Reasonable grounds include unexpected traffic from home to the work area, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other reasonable causes. Lastly, labor law regulations allow absences your employee is

Defining Intelligence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Defining Intelligence - Essay Example Dr. Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. This theory outlines eight different intelligences, including bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, naturalist and spatial. Today, IQ tests are routinely used to rank an individual's intelligence. This test generally only assesses linguistic ("word smart") and logical-mathematical ("number/reasoning smart") intelligences. Many educators believe this is too limiting, and more use should be made of the broader range of intelligences.IQ tests are given to children all over the world, either as a written test or with an examiner. The test is customized for cultural differences, and typically only tests your ability to handle numbers, words and problems. IQ tests can be a good indicator for how well a child will do in school, where the standard teaching method is by reading textbooks and listening to lectures. However, the IQ score can influence how people will treat that person throughout life, "determining her eligibility for certain privileges" (Gardner, Year). If you're not good at reading ("word smart") or you don't understand algebra ("number/reasoning smart"), then you may be considered dumb. A child may be disadvantaged because they are not considered smart by normal standards. But normal is only defined as two out of eight possible intelligences. Is this fair Many think it isn't and believe teaching methods should change. If the other six intelligences are recognized and used in teaching, this will give children and people of all ages more opportunities. As adults with jobs, our intelligence strengths can influence how successful we are. A child who liked to write stories in English class might become a journalist with a newspaper. Another child who loved to play number games might go on to become a computer programmer. These are good matches. But some people might find themselves in jobs they are not suited to because it does not make full use of their individual intelligences. For example, a gifted sportsperson may have a job sitting at a desk typing on a computer all day. A desk job may suit a person who is word and number smart, but may not suit this person who is body smart. They may find their job mundane because they are not active. They would rather be outdoors moving around. Another example is a talented musician ("music smart") who can easily make up beautiful and original music by playing it on an instrument but cannot read or write. Usually people with high IQ scores tend to be in well-paid jobs, while people with low IQ scores do not. But IQ alone cannot predict success. "The vast majority of one's ultimate niche in society is determined by non-IQ factors, ranging from social class to luck" (Goleman, Year). Because a person has a particular strength in one type of intelligence, may not mean they are strong in other intelligences. For example, a student who loves mathematics got a job as an engineer. He was very good at his job, but when asked to speak at a meeting, he felt complete dismay because he didn't want to talk in front of a lot of people. He was "number and reasoning smart", but not "word smart". A sales person may sell lots of cars because he is "people smart", but may fatigue easily when he goes for a walk because he is not "body smart". Another person might be a talented guitar player ("music smart") but causes a calamity and looses his job in the band because he can't control his bad temper. He is not "self smart". To help people make the most of opportunities, school provides an important role in identifying a person's talents. If a school offers a broad range of subjects, then you have more opportunity to find out what you are good at and like doing. For example, if a school didn't offer art classes, a student might miss the opportunity to find out they were good at drawing ("picture smart"). Or if a school didn't

Discuss how Monologue by Hone Tuwhare is an expressive poem Essay

Discuss how Monologue by Hone Tuwhare is an expressive poem - Essay Example The factory is a noisy place, with smoke rising and machines thudding. â€Å"Because I am nearest to the big doors, I am the farthest away from those who have to come down to shout instructions in my ear†, the person being close to the entrance, is also away from his co-workers, who have to try hard to make themselves heard. This person is the first to greet any stranger or newcomer who comes in looking for work, and provide them with the required information. â€Å"I can always tell the look on the faces of the successful ones as they hurry away. The look on the faces of the unlucky I know also, but cannot easily forget†. The writer succeeds in giving prominence to the main character’s emotions, when he sees the look on the faces of strangers who come in search of work, their feelings on being successful or not in their search for work. The emotion on the faces of these people, which he cannot forget easily, makes the main character also emotional. The writer is very efficient in capturing the feelings of these people. â€Å"I have worked here for fifteen months. It’s too good to last. Orders will fall off and there will be a reduction in staff†. This sentence shows how insecure the person feels about his job, even though he is working since the past fifteen months only. He thinks that the company might not have enough orders, and in this process might reduce their staff. He feels that more people might be appointed, who possess much better skills then him, who will be made permanent in their job, and that he should look for a better job, before they fire him. â€Å"These thoughts I push away, I think that I am lucky to have a position by the big doors which open out to a short alley leading to the main street;† He consoles himself by thinking that he is lucky to have a place near the door, and if any emergency takes place like a fire or an earthquake, he can make an easy exit along with his

Quality Management High School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quality Management High School - Essay Example Focusing on intangible effects on processes and ways to optimize and reduce their effects. Examination of the way the organization applies the product aimed at improving the product itself and Broadening management concern beyond the product. TQM is mainly concerned with continuous improvement in all work, whether in strategic planning and decision-making or at the supervisory level. It is based in the belief that, mistakes are avoidable and their effects are preventable. It leads to continuously improving results, in all aspects of work, as a result of continuously improving capabilities of workers, processes and technology. TQM is very key to achieving efficiency in the health sector in that it ensures that an organisation maintains a quality standard in all aspects of its business and undertakings. This involves doing things the right and therefore eliminating wastage and losses from the organisations operations. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services, an agency, in the United States government for protecting health and safety of the Americans and other needy people throughout the world. CDC concerns itself with prevention and control of infectious and chronic diseases, injuries or workplace hazards, and environmental problems.

Evaluating, Narrating, and Describing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Evaluating, Narrating, and Describing - Essay Example This story has been written in such a way that it is likely to cause mixed feelings among the targeted readers. The story vividly describes the perceptions held by different people about the role of the wife in their lives. Feminists are likely to view this story from a negative perspective since it stereotypes the role of wives as child minders as well as responsible for taking care of the family. the author states that she wants a so that she can go back to school to acquire knowledge which in turn can empower her economically when she gets a well paying job. In different patriarchal societies, men believe that only men should be gainfully employed and the wives should concentrate on performing different household chores. Wives should be dependent on their husbands for any financial needs and they should stay at home in order to take care for the kids. The author states that: â€Å"I want a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children’s doct or and dentist appointments. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife to make sure my children eat properly and are kept clean,† (1). This shows that wives are often viewed as solely responsible for performing household tasks as mentioned above. The author also suggests that a wife should submit herself under her husband and she should do anything desired by him. This is reflected in the following statement: â€Å"I want a wife who will not bother me with rambling complaints about a wife’s duties,† (2). From this statement, it can be seen that a wife is supposed to obey the commands of the husband and she should not complain about her duties. In other words, the author is trying to portray wives as objects of their male counterparts. The author also states that a wife has a duty to satisfy the sexual desires of her husband whenever he feels like having sexual intercourse with her. This is shown in the following statement: â€Å"I want a wife who is sensitiv e to my sexual needs, a wife who makes love passionately and eagerly when I feel like it, a wife who makes sure that I am satisfied,† (2). A close analysis of this statement shows that wives are often treated as sexual objects and they should abide by the sexual demands of their husbands under whatever condition. The author further states that she wants a wife who will not demand sex from the husband even if she feels like doing it. In other words, the wife is portrayed as a person who does not have feelings but just a sexual object. The author also portrays the husband as someone who has the right to engage in extra marital affairs whenever he finds someone appealing than his wife. This shows the extent to which wives are treated in some sections of the society across the globe. This story is likely to strongly appeal to the emotions of women who are forced to view themselves as being relegated to lower levels in the society in a negative way. Feminists and rights activists a re likely to criticise this story in strong and harsh terms since they advocate for equality between men and women. Feminists in different parts of the world argue that there should be equality between men and women and they should also be given equal employment opportunities just like their male counterparts. This would emancipate them so that they would not solely depend on their husbands for survival. Rights activists argue that women should also be economically empowered so that they can also independently make their own

Quality Management High School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Quality Management High School - Essay Example Focusing on intangible effects on processes and ways to optimize and reduce their effects. Examination of the way the organization applies the product aimed at improving the product itself and Broadening management concern beyond the product. TQM is mainly concerned with continuous improvement in all work, whether in strategic planning and decision-making or at the supervisory level. It is based in the belief that, mistakes are avoidable and their effects are preventable. It leads to continuously improving results, in all aspects of work, as a result of continuously improving capabilities of workers, processes and technology. TQM is very key to achieving efficiency in the health sector in that it ensures that an organisation maintains a quality standard in all aspects of its business and undertakings. This involves doing things the right and therefore eliminating wastage and losses from the organisations operations. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services, an agency, in the United States government for protecting health and safety of the Americans and other needy people throughout the world. CDC concerns itself with prevention and control of infectious and chronic diseases, injuries or workplace hazards, and environmental problems.

Of Mice and Men - novel and film comparison Essay Example for Free

Of Mice and Men novel and film comparison Essay This is a comparison between Steinbeck’s original novel Of Mice and Men and the 1992 film version. I will be comparing the two beginnings, the presentation of Curley’s wife, and the treatment of a powerful scene. Of Mice and Men is one of those classic stories about friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and broken dreams. The 1992 film was directed by Gary Sinise, who also played the part of George Milton. This film was in fact the first film he had ever directed and I believe it to be very successful. The film follows the overall content of the novel, however, there are some key differences: The introduction to the film has two complete differences, the presentation of Curley’s wife, and also the treatment of a powerful scene, which will be focused on the ending. In the beginning of the Novel, it is set in Soledad. Steinbeck creates a very tranquil opening and gives the impression that it hasn’t been disrupted by human interference. ‘’On the sand bank under the trees the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them’’. However, even before the reader is introduced to the two protagonists, Steinbeck includes that this peaceful, animal inhabited area is frequently interrupted my humans. ‘’a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water.’’ This quote shows that this has been a place humans have to for a long time. The use of the word’s ‘beaten hard’ is associated with a path which has been walked on for many years. This tells the reader that however peaceful the area may be, it has always been trespassed by humans. The animals react in fear due to the sound of footsteps mentioned again. This also suggests that the animals are not used to humans entering their little world and thus they hide away. ‘’The rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover. A stilted heron labored up into the air and pounded down river. For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from the path and came into the opening by the green pool.’’ The description of George and Lennie’s entrance indicates that George appears to be in change. ‘’They had walked single file down the path, and even in the open, one stayed behind the other.’’ This shows the reader that there isn’t a close bond of friendship, but more of a leader and a follower, i.e. George being the leader, and Lennie the follower. The description of George and Lennie gives the reader a sense of their characters immediately. ‘’The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose.’’ This shows the reader that George is a man of intelligence and means business. Lennie’s description on the other hand is described as someone who is quite the opposite. ‘’Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely.’’ Lennie is described physically with a great use of animal imagery. This adds to the fact that Lennie does lack intelligence. In his description he indicates that Lennie is also someone in need of guidance and cannot think on his own accords which could conclude why George is with him. The beginning of the film is very different compared to the novel. It isn’t shown as peaceful at all. In fact the music used gives a great feeling of intensity and panic. When the piano is included with the rhythm of the violin, it adds a sense of hopelessness. There are notes played on a higher scale of the piano which insist a sense of innocence, however, nothing is suggesting happiness. The opening scene begins on a train with George sitting alone looking very strong in the darkness of the carriage. Although the train is very dark, beams of light shine through from gaps in the wooden walls. The scene is then changed to a much brighter atmosphere with a young woman running in a field in Weed – George and Lennie’s home town. However, music is still very fast and tense which prepares the audience again that this is a sad story. George and Lennie are being chased by men with guns on horseback. It is clear to the audience that George is in charge just by seeing that he is leading the way and telling Lennie what to do. We then see George and Lennie escape, sneaking onto the train and we hear the first convocation between George and Lennie which again indicates that George is in charge as he merely tells him to ‘’shh’’ and ‘’Go to sleep’’. Lennie responds with simple use of the English language which again shows the audience that he has some kind of disability. It’s quite ironic really because Lennie is in a very big character although he cries and depends on George for the majority of things. The incident in Weed is not running in a chronologically compared to the novel as we are introduced to the incident before we actually meet the characters. At the very beginning when we first see George, it is as if the incident in Weed is his memory and he is pondering on it as him and Lennie travel to their destination on the farm in Soledad. In the novel, the readers are introduced to the incident in Weed later on in the novel when George and Slim have a conversation on the Ranch. In the film, the audience is introduced to the Ranch with very country-like music which is fairly happy and uplifting compared to the musical piece the audience are introduced to at the very beginning. In the novel, Curley’s Wife is first mentioned through a conversation with George and Candy. Candy makes it seem like Curley’s Wife is a bit of a flirt before the reader is even introduced to her by saying that even though she is married she’s ‘got the eye’. However, although she isn’t exactly happy being with Curley, she just wants some attention. When the reader is introduced to her she is described wearing very a rather lot of makeup. ‘’She had full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails were red.’’ Curley’s Wife wears a lot of red. Red is seen as the most intense colours and is very noticeable. The fact that she wears a lot of red indicates that she wants to be noticed. ‘’She wore a cotton house dress and red mules, on the insteps of which were little bouquets of red ostrich feathers.’’ As she lives on a farm, she is not really dressed appropriately for the wife of a rancher. However, Curley ignores Curley’s Wife so it is of no surprise that she is wearing things to attract the other men on the farm. Her body language insists that she is very provocative as if she is tempting the men to go after her. ‘She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward.’ Lennie is very much attracted to her although George and the other men are not. This kind of suggests that Lennie will have something to with her although not in a sense of sexual nature, but similar to the same incidence in Weed where Lennie was accused of attempting rape towards the girl running away when he was only caught up in stroking her dress that he would not let go. In section four of the novel, there is a part where Curley’s Wife enters looking for Curley although in the film this was left out. Perhaps to ensure that Curley’s Wife was wanted to be seen by Gary Sinise as someone who needed sympathy from the audience. During this part of the novel, Curley’s Wife describes her relationship with Curley. ‘’Sure I gotta husban’. You all seen him. Swell guy, aint he? Spends all his time sayin’ what he’s gonna do to guts he don’t like, and he don’t like nobody. Think I’m gonna stay in that two-by-four house and listen how Curley’s gonna lead with his left twice and then bring in the ol’ right cross?’’ This creates a lot of sympathy towards Curley’s Wife as she is obviously rejected by Curley to the point where she isn’t even properly included. The fact that as the reader, we don’t even know her name also suggests that she is unimportant towards Curley and the other characters. Crooks quickly turns on Curley’s Wife insisting that she leaves, however, she has a lot of power over him considering she’s white and back then, black people were simply just slaves and were resented by a lot of people. Knowing that, Crooks backs down almost to a point where he is leaning against the wall. ‘’Listen Nigger/ You know what I can do to you if you open your trap? †¦ Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.’’ This is practically the only time that Curley’s Wife has some kind of power over someone, and because he is treated no better than an animal as he lives next to the barn where all the animals are and not even in a properly built home, more of a shed, suggests that Curley’s Wife only really has power, or a chance to step in on her own accords is towards Crooks. Section five is where Curley’s Wife initially dies due to her trust, and lack of self control in Lennie. Steinbeck has been implying that Curley’s Wife was just really an innocent young woman and all the makeup was just an act for attention. ‘’the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young.’’ Again the amount of makeup she had on makes her look as if she were still alive ‘’Now her roughed cheeks and her reddened lips made her seem alive and sleeping very lightly.’’ In the film, the audience are introduced to her again like in the novel looking for Curley. She is dressed in a pink floral dress unlike in the novel where she is wearing mostly red. However she is wearing red lipstick although her eyes are not heavily made up but it is noticeable that she is wearing eye makeup. It is clear that she is not wearing heels because the sounds of her foot steps are quite bold. Compared to the book she is a lot less provocative but the way she speaks to the men on the farm is very flirtatious and her body language is very suggestive, for example she pushes her chest forward and places her hands on her hips which could insinuate her wanting more than just somebody to talk to, although we know she just wants somebody to talk to. When Curley’s Wife leaves, George’s immediate response is towards Lennie is for him to stay away from her due to the incident in Weed. There are three added scenes featured in the film. These were most likely included to show the audience how Curley’s Wife has no sympathy or consideration from the other men at the barn and how Curley himself treats his wife with little consideration. The barn scene, being the first added scene is where we see George taking a tired out horse back to the barn where he also encounters Curley’s Wife. The way she talks to George is very flirtatious and almost as if she is leading him on, however she then goes on about how she wants somebody to talk to her because Curley himself doesn‘t give her any attention and is undoubtedly trying to better himself compared to the other men, thus why he picks on Lennie, who is a lot taller than him and certainly much more stronger. The second added scene is The Speed Ball Scene where we see Curley punching away at the speed ball. This could have been added to enhance the audiences awareness that he is constantly aggressive and obsessed with fighting. Curley’s Wife is sat levelled above Curley with no body around and is clearly very lonely and extremely bored. With all the men working on the farm in the background, and Curley, although not working himself, is still not giving his wife a second thought. This is a clear indication that Curley’s Wife is isolated on the ranch and I think it emphasises the description given about her dead body in section 5 of the novel where underneath all of the makeup and desperate attempts for some attention, she was merely just a sweet, innocent and lonely girl. The final added scene in the film is The Broken Record Scene. She is wearing no makeup and obviously had been crying and is completely on her own. She vents about what had happened Curley got aggressive and smashed all of her four records therefore not being able to play them which reminds the audience of Curley‘s violent nature. The reaction is pitiful and it is obvious that nobody taking any consideration for her. Curley’s Wife then runs off saying that if she ran away no one would miss her etc which could be suggesting her death. All of the added scenes help to enhance the audience’s awareness from the beginning of the film that Curley’s Wife should be seen in a very sympathetic perspective and this is not clear in the novel until Steinbeck’s description of her dead body. A very good example of a powerful scene would be the very ending of both the novel and the film. In the novel, Steinbeck sets the scene for the ending which takes place in Salinas River. He describes the surroundings beautifully and authentically just like in the beginning of the novel which creates a very peaceful image for the reader. ‘’The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. Already the sun had left the valley to go climbing up the slopes of the Gabilan mountains, and the hilltops were rosy in the sun.’’ Nevertheless, the peaceful scene is spoiled even before the arrival of Lennie as Steinbeck creates an image that suggests death and readies the reader for what is about to unfold. ‘’A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head, and the beak swallowed the little snake while its tail waved frantically.’’ As Lennie arrives he begins to have two hallucinations which are not shown in the film. The first hallucination is of his Aunt Clara and through the conversation brought about by Lennie’s imagination, his greatest fears are revealed. George’s reaction to what Lennie has done and the fact that Lennie has no real understanding of the seriousness of what he has done, which enhances his guilt feeling because he knows that he has disappointed George. The conversation then leads on to Aunt Clara making him feel even more guilty because George has done so much for Lennie and all he does is give him grief when George could do so much more without him. Lennie’s second hallucination is of a rabbit. This is could be a symbol of Lennie’s childlike nature and how the only real bad thing he can think of is how George will not allow him to look after the rabbits and the fact that he will now leave him. The conversation with the rabbit could also show how Lennie is very naà ¯ve and is convinced George will not leave him or get mad. The novel and the film are very similar as far as the conversation between George and Lennie are concerned. In the novel, it is prolonged to gradually build up tension for the reader when they realise that George is going to shoot Lennie. When he finally does, it is clear that this has traumatised George and is a very dreadful thing for George to undergo. ‘’George shivered and looked at the gun, and then he threw it from him, back up on the bank, near the pile of old ashes.’’ George is comforted by Slim and is taken for a drink. However, the reader is reminded of the ignorance by society as they are blinded by what George has just had to go through, which ends the novel. Then ending of the film is very sad. Lennie is found and comforted by George’s voice and soon by ‘The American Dream’ which is referred to several times throughout the film. The audience are unaware of what is about to happen as when George finally shoots Lennie it is very sudden. The music, played at the beginning of the film is again brought back, which is very touching and adds for a great effect to what has just occurred. Instead of the hallucinations Lennie’s fears are brought into the convocation between him and George and are much shorter than in the novel. In the novel, it begins and ends at the Salinas River where as in the film it begins and ends with George sat on the train. Just like at the beginning, there are flash backs, but this time of George and Lennie together. This indicates that George has spent the majority of his time with Lennie and they had a very brotherly relationship. The flash backs could imply George being deeply upset due to t he fact he has killed his best friend.

My Strategies To Develop My Pdp Education Essay

My Strategies To Develop My Pdp Education Essay SCENARIO I have been appointed as a manager of Finance 4 U and the first assignment that I need to undertake along with other managerial activities is to prepare a detailed Personal Development Plan. The plan will include strategy of developing a plan, goals and objectives, milestones, timescales and resources needed. Hopefully the PDP that I will prepare shall provide guidelines for the rest of the employees on how to form the PDP for themselves leading to the betterment of the whole organisation. OBJECTIVES Explain about PDP. Describe the importance of PDP. Explain my current situation and need for improvement. My goals both short and long term. My Strategies to develop my PDP. My short term PDP including goals, resource needed, timescales, milestones and checkpoints and success criteria. Importance of reviewing. Conclusion in slides. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN DEFINITION Personal Development Planning is basically a structured process developed by an individual to relook and reflect upon his/her own current situation, performances, achievements, goals and to plan for their personal, educational and career development. It is a process or tool which can be adopted by individuals at all levels and all areas of life. If the PDP is well planned and used effectively, it tremendously improves the ability of individuals to review, plan and take responsibility for their own personality and learning improvement and to understand what and how they learn and develop. Putting it bluntly, Personal Development Planning is a process by which an individual can manage their own development through a process of reflection and structured planning on how they can meet their own goals. Many organisations and universities require their employees and students to prepare their PDP and follow accordingly as the importance of a PDP is widely understood in this modern era. PDP PURPOSE AND IMPORTANCE The purpose and importance of a Personal Development Plan is providing the individual with an aid to learn and develop more effectively and to be able to: Improve the way of learning different scenarios via different methods. Make him/her responsible enough to understand and manage his/her learning process as a whole. Make him/her more independent. Set up both long and short term goals and objectives. Understand the resources needed to achieve those objectives. Set up a list and analyse his/her own strengths and weaknesses. Take corrective actions if necessary on the progress. Improve on his/her effectiveness and efficiency. CURRENT SITUATION In order to explain my current situation I have identified and classified the following facts into my educational, professional and personal status. Educational: I have completed my Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA). I have completed all papers from Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) but havent completed the 3years of practical experience requirement. Professional: I have worked as a junior accountant for 6 months in a UK based company. I have worked as an assistant to the Finance Controller for 1 year in a UK based company. Personal: My presentation skills are not satisfactory as I have always been quite shy on that respect (although good at interviews). My leadership skills are not quite as much as Id have liked as I have never really tested my leadership skills due lack of experience. My time management skills are not adequate as I believe there is a room for improvement. My decision making skills are definitely under par as I believe it is vital in this todays modern world. I dont seem to remain motivated and positive over a long period of time. GOALS My short-term goals are as follows: Understanding how the company is operating. Understanding the reasons for low motivation amongst staffs. Addressing the lack of awareness of skills development amongst staffs. My long-term goals are as follows: I need to improve my presentation skills significantly. I need to develop my leadership skills. I need to better my time management skills. I need to enhance my decision making skills. I need to learn to be more motivated and positive. 6. STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PDP My basic strategy for the development of PDP was not to develop a completely new system but alter the currently available practices and processes and produce a system that works for me and which will reflect my goals, skills and performances. Hence my strategies for development of PDP are as follows: Materials from online and other sources about how PDP can be developed efficiently are to be gathered. As the goals are already identified, timescale and milestones for the attainment of those goals are then determined. Resources needed and the feasibilities of those resources for those goals to be achieved are then amassed. Any obstacles or hindrances are ascertained and contingency plans be made in advance. Review and Monitoring of the performance will also be an essential part of my PDP. PDP Name: Sudhir Gurung Company: Finance 4 U Position: Manager Period from: Jan 1, 2010 To: Jan 31, 2010 Short term Current Situation Desired Situation Resources and support needed Success Criteria Target Dates New to the company. -Very less idea why staffs have low morale. -Understanding how the company is operating. -Understanding the reasons for low staff morale. -Increasing awareness about the need and importance of skills development amongst staff. -Good briefing by Managing Director. -Support and co-ordination from employees. -Authority to do interviews and issue questionnaires if necessary with staffs. -Authority to conduct meetings and seminars. -Get a general idea about the operation of the company. -Identify the reasons for low staff morale issues. -Every staff is clear about the necessity of skills development for themselves. -Perform a preliminary meeting with Managing Director and receive clear briefing and guidelines before joining the office on 1/1/2010. -Conduct interviews and questionnaires by 15/1/2010. -Conduct final meeting and elaborate your findings by 31/1/2010. Long Term Skills Current Situation Desired Situation Resources and support needed Success Criteria Target Dates -Presentation Skills -Leadership Skills -Time Management Skills -Decision Making Skills -Motivational Skills -Good speaker at interviews but lack flair and command while speaking in public. -Not much leadership experience. -Respect time but problems in prioritizing issues. -Ability to make logical decisions but cannot make it quickly. -De-motivated during tough times. -Excellent public speaker. -Good leader with ability to designate authority and responsibility properly. -Be able to prioritize the important things with other. -Be able to make quick decisions with a logical approach. -Be able to motivate both others and myself towards obtaining goals and self improvement. -Practice in plenty of seminars and meetings. -Take public speaking class. -Support and advice from superiors. -Learning relevant books and practicing. -Good relevant books and articles. -Logical reasoning -Study materials. -Motivational seminars. -Professional help. -Motivational autobiographies and other books. -Confidence in passing through the idea. -People looking up to me. -First and important things getting done first. -Efficient and effective decision making. -Source of inspiration. -Within two years -Within three years -Within one year -Within three years -Within two years REFERENCE Online http://www.leeds.ac.uk/sddu/gts/pdp_student.html http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/progressfiles/guidelines/pdp/pdpguide.pdf http://www.engsc.ac.uk/downloads/resources/pdp.pdf Paperback R. Grit, N. van der Sijde, Career Development, Managing Your Competencies- The Personal Development Plan, 2008, page 200. Sonnentag Sabine, Psychological Management Of Individual Performance, Revised Development Plan, 2002, Page 516. TASK 2 INTRODUCTION It is very important that from time to time we need to review our performances in order stay in-line with targets we need to achieve. It is very helpful as we will be able to take corrective actions. Hence, in this task I shall be referring back to the PDP that I produced in the previous task and I shall carry out a detailed self-review for each goal. OBJECTIVES Identification of obstacles that hinders achievement of my targets. Explaining the importance and need to reviewing, self-reviewing and monitoring. Providing reflective record of management experience in achieving my objectives. Elaborating the importance of obtaining support from other to achieve goals and objectives. REPORT From: Sudhir Gurung (Management consultant) To: Managing Director Subject: reviewing, self-review and peer support for target attainment I have realised the fact that a good plan is the base for anything however we cannot go through with it without reviewing it while in process and checking if we are on-course or not. It is so because there may be several obstacles on the road. Obstacles: The short term obstacles might be that as I am new to the organisation it will be difficult to obtain confidence and support from the staffs and get the real understanding of the situation. As my task will start from 1st of January many staffs may not return to work after holidays and may be difficult to conduct interviews and questionnaires within the deadlines. The long term obstacles might be in achieving leadership skills and motivational skills. These are very vague areas and one will require constant researching and improvement. It is extremely hard to be able to perfect these skills if any of the resources mentioned are not adequate. Dedication however is the key to succeed in these areas. Need of reviewing and monitoring plan: There is always the need of reviewing and monitoring of plans as in the absence of these things planning will have no meaning. Reviewing basically means watching at things with a critical viewpoint whereas monitoring means not letting things go out of track. The operations or activities will need to be in line with the plans and then only the goals that need to be achieved will be achieved. Importance of self-review: As it is said that self-review is the best review. One can only be able to understand others if he/she understands himself/herself. Self-review is a great tool available which will help to self analyse the strengths and weaknesses of oneself so that he/she can understand the opportunities and threats that may be there. It enables people to obtain a proper understanding of what they are doing well, what areas they need to improve and how to focus on those. It also helps to get a broader view on the issues and be clear of what your objectives are. My management experience I joined as a customer service agent in Gulf Air, Kathmandu, Nepal. After one and half years of service there I was made the baggage handling supervisor. My main objectives and their achievement were as follows: To get proper lost baggage handling training. I requested to the airport manager for providing me with the necessary training to do the job properly asap. I was sent to Bahrain for a week long training for baggage handling within a month of my appointment. Making sure proper records of lost baggage were kept in the system. I gave on the job training to one staff from the morning shift and the other from the late shift so both the morning and evening flights were covered. Increasing the efficiency of system update. I wanted to update the info for the baggage which reached Kathmandu mistakenly instead of the intended destination into the system immediately so other airports would be able to locate it and Gulf Air does not have pay extra compensation. Need for support from others: A positive integration of peoples efforts towards same direction causes synergy which will result in better performance and increment in the chance of better result. It is one of the most fundamental of management principals. I, in order to achieve my target, have rated support from my superiors and colleagues as one of the most important resources in my task 1. Conclusion To conclude I would like to say that I have determined the obstacles that may halt my progress towards attaining the goals. I have understood and explained the importance of reviewing, self-review and monitoring. I have provided a reflective record of my management experience in achieving objectives and also elaborated the need for support from others. REFERENCE Online: http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/workforce-management-employee-records/3779163-1.html http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=srf http://www.accel-team.com/techniques/employee_evaluation.html Paperback: New Zealand Institute of Public Administration, Self-review: doing it for yourself, May 1992. TASK 3 INTRODUCTION As per the requirement of task 3 of my assignment I have undertaken a research in various personal and professional skills needed by the companys staff member in three different organisations. I will, on the basis of my research will produce a presentation to the managing director of our company about the outcomes of my research. I will also produce a report regarding the recommendations. OBJECTIVES Choose three organisations and analyse how their staff personal and professional skills are developed Presentation to Managing Director and staff with outcomes Report to Managing Director with recommendation The three organisations: For the above mentioned purpose I have selected and researched the following three companies: Gulf Air ASDA InterContinental Hotels Group Gulf Air: In order to ensure their staffs develop personal and professional skills Gulf Air initially uses induction. It is given initially to the foundation skills required to operate successfully in the new role, training is provided in theory and practical work, in other words classroom and on the job. Learning and development is then the process used by Gulf Air where it is delivered through a variety of departments to ensure there is a focus on the specialist nature of roles in our business and to maximise access for our people. Training Departments form part of a Corporate Training Board ensuring that learning and development for all Gulf Air staff has a recognised place at an executive level of the business. All training and development is built on a firm commitment to release and maximise the full potential of every Gulf Air employee. More information is available under the sections for individual job areas. The next step will be to provide career paths to motivate and satisfy individu als within the organisation and to meet the on-going skill requirements of the business. Gulf Air recognises the need to identify and develop high quality replacements for positions designated as key to current and future organisational success. Gulf Air has a number of lateral career programmes in place providing existing employees with the opportunity to move across organisational boundaries in a co-ordinated and formal way. When vacancies arise, they are advertised internally and where possible we promote from within. ASDA: ASDA is very much into supporting its staffs to reach their potential. They have a wide variety of training and development options available. ASDA also starts with induction to increase the personal and professional skills of the new staffs. All new staffs are initially given an intensive induction session. It focuses on the best way to get staffs up to speed with business and find their feet as quickly as possible. It will ensure that the staffs are well versed to their business and culture and are also equipped with the tools to deliver in their roles. It then provides tailored training. After induction, first three months will involve tailored training programmes suitable the new staffs position in order to give him/her the support he/she need to be really efficient in their relevant roles. To help new managers learn how to best operate their department and perfect their leadership style, theyre given eight weeks of dedicated training in one of their specially selected training s tores which are called Stores of Learning (SOLs). These are typical ASDA stores with a training centre attached; set up to deliver tailored training to all our new managers in purpose built facilities. SDA has a Distribution Academy for new managers for its Distribution business so that staffs are given the best start possible, are trained in best practice and given all the necessary tools they may require. Every new manager spends time in the Academy learning the technical aspects of their role and working on their personal development. Part of the training also includes spending time in stores who are the Distribution networks internal customers. This gives new managers a thorough understanding of the issues that stores can face so that good support can be provided. It has programmes like a training plan to help strengthen technical skills, courses to develop behavioural skills or to prepare staffs for a bigger role. ASDA encourages staffs to create a Personal Development Plan w ith the help of their managers. This process will enable to set the goals for the staffs and the managers will also be aware of the desires of the staffs. Motivation level will be highly influenced by this method. InterContinental Hotels Group (IGH) As per the statement of IGH, it recognises human resource as one of the most influential resource needed to be successful in the business world. Hence it has a strong belief to invest in improving the skills of its staffs, quenching their thirst for career development will eventually make a huge difference in their area of business which is hospitality. As the first hotel group to develop and conduct an online version of the renowned Cornell Hotel Administration Simulation Exercise. The programme offers psychometric assessment and course content delivered by leading university academics thats focused on connecting with individual corporate, personal and career goals. This group has assessment centres across the world to help high performing individuals in corporate, executive and supervisory roles move on and up to the next level. IHG offers Fast Track Graduate Programmes Operations and Revenue Management. Over 24 months, candidates can gain experience in two hotels based in the UK. Each hotel will set their own individual projects linked to an individual training plan that will be supported and mentored by professionals. Candidates will also attend centralised training courses run by experts in their field. Programmes like this will provide ideal opportunities for fresh graduates to kick start their careers. PRESENTATION IN MICROSOFT POWERPOINT ( THE ATTACHMENT) REPORT To: Managing Director From: Sudhir Gurung (Manager) Subject: Clear and concise recommendations on the approach that need to be taken by Finance 4 U Dear Sir/Madam As it was my responsibility as a manager to look into various organisations as how they were doing in regards to personal and professional development of their staffs, I researched three companies on their strategies which were Gulf Air, ASDA and IHG. I found out several methods and techniques used by these organisations as my research shows earlier. In my personal point of view following methods and techniques could be used in our organisation to enhance the staff morale and overall efficiency at workplace: Induction: In my research I found out that induction is a must for any new staff as it acts as a bridge towards new company. It is an essential process of familiarising and hence has to be carefully designed by Finance 4 U management. Tailored training: It is a useful method I found out when researching the methods used by ASDA. Every individual is different with different knowledge level, language barrier, age group, education etc. As we are not a very large company tailored training can be provided to individual staff as and when needed. Appreciation day: It is also another unique idea that can be applied to increase the motivational level of the staffs in Finance 4 U. Different staffs at different levels and departments do not seem to understand the efforts of each others in here. If supervisors of one department are made familiar to another department and vice versa, I believe levels of appreciation of each others will improve leading the way for increment in morale. Providing career paths Maslows motivations theory is one of the most famous theories in management. It says that there is always a hierarchy in needs in a professionals vision. Initially he/she will look more into physical and security needs and later move towards more challenging and self-actualisation needs. Hence Finance 4 U should also understand this theory and be able to stimulate the interest of its important staffs so that they stay motivated by laying out clear paths and performance related incentives. Lateral career programmes I have been confirmed; through this research that monotony is one of the prime reasons for low morale. Hence in order to help avoid it, a good move would be lateral career programmes as well. It is actually a process of shifting employees to different departments so that they will be more experienced and also more motivated. Personal Development Plan (PDP) PDP needs to be prepared for each staff and passed on to their immediate manager and hence a general plan can be made on the basis of that guideline. Graduates Programme People with huge amount of potential needs to be provided with the opportunity to increase their educational background as well, as it will only benefit the organisation. He/she will have various management and other theories to back up their ideas and experience towards a progressive future of the company. Conclusion Id like to conclude this report by saying that there is a severe need in Finance 4 U to address this issue of personal and professional development amongst staffs so that the morale may climb high. I believe the recommendations I provided will be very helpful if it is implemented properly by the management. TASK 4 INTRODUCTION This task is about looking into the various methods used by management in skills development. For this purpose I have looked back at the three companies that I have researched and analysed what methods have they used. Along with that Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is also to be looked in detail. OBJECTIVES Analysis of various methods of skills development. Analysis of methods used by the three organisations. Examples of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Importance of CPD. Various methods of skills development: Just because you have two ears and a mouth doesnt mean you know how to communicate. A Mothers Advice To Her Son Like the quote said just because you can speak well amongst your friends, it doesnt mean that you can communicate well professionally. These are all part of skills that one person must acquire to develop him/herself personally and professionally. The initial part of skills development begins and develops during our education. We develop lot of personal skills at that time period like some communication skills, listening skills, time-management skills, problem solving skills etc. However generally professional skills are developed as it is a case of practice and experience mostly after a person is employed. Having said that skills development is a life-long process and hence it needs to be honed with practice as the famous quote says, Practice makes perfect. The three organisations: I would like to look back at the three organisations that I had researched and analyse their methods of skills development again. Gulf Air: Gulf Air is committed to setting people up for success from the moment they join the organisation. Induction is given initially to the foundation skills required to operate successfully in the new role, training is provided in theory and practical work, in other words classroom and on the job. Gulf Air is very much committed to the growth and development of its people. Learning and development at Gulf Air is delivered through a variety of departments to ensure there is a focus on the specialist nature of roles in our business and to maximise access for our people. Training Departments form part of a Corporate Training Board ensuring that learning and development for all Gulf Air staff has a recognised place at an executive level of the business. Gulf Air realises the need to provide career paths to motivate and satisfy individuals within the organisation and to meet the on-going skill requirements of the business. It also recognises the need to identify and develop high quality replacements for positions designated as key to current and future organisational success. Gulf Air has a number of lateral career programmes in place providing existing employees with the opportunity to move across organisational boundaries in a co-ordinated and formal way. When vacancies arise, they are advertised internally and where possible we promote from within. ASDA: ASDA is very much into supporting its staffs to reach their potential. They have a wide variety of training and development options available. The few of the methods used by ASDA are given below: Induction All new staffs are initially given an intensive induction session. It focuses on the best way to get staffs up to speed with business and find their feet as quickly as possible. It will ensure that the staffs are well versed to their business and culture and are also equipped with the tools to deliver in their roles. Tailored training After induction, first three months will involve tailored training programmes suitable the new staffs position in order to give him/her the support he/she need to be really efficient in their relevant roles. Colleague to manager training New retail managers New distribution managers ASDA House colleagues Career progression through practical development programmes: Seven step practical development programme At ASDA there is a seven step practical development programme that helps staffs to take their development to the next level. The programme builds on current leadership and shop keeping skills through off the job learning, on the job activities and coaching sessions. Stepping Stones is targeted at staffs who want to grow to become Department Managers and some have even continued their development to General Store Manager and further more. New managers stores To help new managers learn how to best operate their department and perfect their leadership style, theyre given eight weeks of dedicated training in one of their specially selected training stores which are called Stores of Learning (SOLs). These are typical ASDA stores with a training centre attached, set up to deliver tailored training to all our new managers in purpose built facilities. Store Appreciation Day At ASDA, it gives priority to its customers and for all the staffs of ASDA who do not work at stores are given induction about how the stores are run. This will lead to those staffs being more aware of the circumstances in the store where all the business is actually performed. Career Progression for staffs ASDA has understood the fact that if there is no progression in ones career even though the job is rewarding becomes monotonous and the efficiency will drop. Hence it has a variety of programmes of sessions available at different stages of the staffs development in any role. It has programmes like a training plan to help strengthen technical skills, courses to develop behavioural skills or to prepare staffs for a bigger role. Personal Development Plan ASDA encourages staffs to create a Personal Development Plan with the help of their managers. This process will enable to set the goals for the staffs and the managers will also be aware of the desires of the staffs. Motivation level will be highly influenced by this method. Professional qualifications At ASDA there are many opportunities with funding or study leave for Professional qualifications such as CIMA for Finance, CIPS (for Retail Development team) etc. This does depend on the role of the staffs in the different departments. There is a structured programme in place whilst others may be able to consider ad hoc requests for study funding or time off, if this is related to their role. InterContinental Hotels Group (IGH) Belief in investing in people: As per the statement of IGH, it recognises human resource as one of the most influential resource needed to be successful in the business world. Hence it has a strong belief to invest in improving the skills of its staffs, quenching their thirst for career development will eventually make a huge difference in their area of business which is hospitality. CHASE: As the first hotel group to develop and conduct an online version of the renowned Cornell Hotel Administration Simulation Exercise (CHASE), you can also take part in a sophisticated virtual reality game for running a hotel. Assessment centres across the world This group has assessment centres across the world to help high performing individuals in corporate, executive and supervisory roles move on and up to the next level. The basic points of these assessment centres are that their staffs know what success means their roles; they will be involved in regular, quality feedback instructions; they will have the opportunity to develop both in their current and future roles; they will know what career opportunities are available with IHG around the world.