Equality and Inclusion in Health and Social Care

Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or childrens and young peoples settings.Explain what is meant by: DiversityThe differences between individuals and groups in society arising from gender, ethnic origins, social, cultural or religious back ground, familtnstructure, disabilities, sexuality and appearance. Equality- is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are treated fairly and equally and no less favourably, specific to their needs, including areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age.Inclusion is about equal opportunities for all, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background.Describe the potiential effects of discriminationDiscrimination against children makes them have a low-self esteem and they find life very lonely. They may resentful towards those discriminating them and perform poorly when it comes to activities set for them. They may become defensive and are reluctant to ask for help for fear of ridicule or embarrassment.Explain how inclusive practise promotes equality and supports diversityPromoting inclusion is to help children have positive attitudes towards differences and so reduce the likelihood thst they will develop prejudiced views, you can practise this in ways such as helping children see differnces in a positive way- as interesting and enriching to all our lives and develop positive and respectful attitudes towards people from all walks of life.Explain how legislation and code of practice relating to eqaulity, diversity and discrimination apply to your own work roleThe Equality Act 2010 brings together all previous acts relating to equality and discrimination. The Act applies to all organisations that provide a service to the public. The Act protects all individuals and groups from discrimination. Early years setting must be aware of these laws and have in place a policy regarding equality of opportunities and for supporting children with learning difficulti es and disabilities Providers must also have regard to the SEN code of practice.The EYFS also states that providers have a responsibility to enssure positive attitudes to diversity and difference. Within my setting we have a Equality and Diversity policy and a SEN and disability policy these policies must be followed by staff and integrated in to our working practice. The policies bring together all the main points from the various acts and the requirements of the EYFS.Describe how to challange discrimination in a way that promotes changeYou should never ignore or excuse such discriminatory behaviour any more than you would ignore or excuse someone if they inflicted physical pain on someone else. It must be addressed because if you do not respond and just let the incident pass you are contributing to the person feeling that it is acceptable to speak or behave that way. To promote change you need to change people’s attitude toward other races, sexuality, religion etc.We try to educate our children in my setting about different culture, disabilities by doing things like having time so that children can share their experiences with each other, and encourage them to think of other people’s feelings and share different options with each other and also give them the opportunity to think about what it is like foe other people and ask them to think about themselves in other people shoes.

Do humans have the obligation to help others?

It can also be a response to those who are in need or just a moral issue that we as humans try to make whenever we can. One of the reasons is that we help others because we can not bear to see a person in terrible condition, having a hard time, being physically or psychologically abused, do nothing.These and other everyday situations that come our hearts lead us to help those in need, makes us care for others, something that shows us that not everything in the world is money, fame and selfishness, is also love, mercy , generosity and courage †¦Being kind to someone who needs help is a basic human necessity. If someone needs help, for whatever reason, it is up to other individuals to intercede and help. Morally obligated may be a stretch, but when someone needs help there shouldn't be second thoughts about what to do. Whether someone needs a door held open or someone is drowning, helps should always be on the way.Most of the time, helping someone is a feeling that comes from the bottom of your heart, a feeling that is generally stronger when the person who needs help is a friend or relative, by matters of the heart. However, we will always see people totally unknown in distress, asking for help, and that's when this feeling†¦ with some justice, courage and other feelings or values that I can not think right now, come together to make the decision to help a person sometimes regardless of the situation or circumstances †¦Help when you can†¦ Humans we ´ll never live independently from a society. At some point, anyone depend on another human being for help. We do not know exactly when we need help, or who help us. Therefore, it is better to help a needy person, because maybe in the future you need it, otherwise it would be a little unfair to get help all the time and then ignore the problems of others, just because you do not care what happens to them as they do not  affect you, help others to help yourself†¦

Women's magazine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Women's magazine - Research Paper Example Every page of the magazine is filled with products and articles which make the female readers think that only beautiful, young and thin women are appreciated and accepted by the society. Constant exposure to thin and flawless models has driven ‘normal’ women to believe that they are not worthy enough. The aim of this paper is to understand the psychology behind the graphic and verbal content of women’s magazines and how it affects the female readers. Under the influence of the advertisements and suggestions given in magazines, women are adopting artificial means to change the way they feel and the way they look. Women’s magazines have become a medium of plastic dreams as they are driving women to hate their natural bodies and love the bodies of female models, whose photographs are manipulated with the help of technology to make them look thin and beautiful. Harper’s Bazaar is a fashion magazine. The aim of the magazine is to discuss current trends and news from the fashion world. Its target readers are women of all ages. From the advertisements and the contents of the magazine, it is evident that current trend in the fashion industry is the magazine’s main focus. The magazine if filled with advertisements of beauty products, jewelry, accessories, apparels, fashion news and articles. The issue discussed in this paper is the October 2010 issue with Drew Barrymore on its cover. The cover of Harper’s Bazaar is adorned by Drew Barrymore, one of the leading actresses in Hollywood. Barrymore is a famous personality and has an image of an independent, successful, wealthy, and a strong person. She is well known for her roles in romantic movies. Her fame, independent lifestyle, her dressing sense, bubbly personality and feminine body makes her a right choice to adorn a cover of a fashion magazine. Any person will get attracted to a magazine which has Drew Barrymore on its cover. With

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

MidTerm - Essay Example The state department uses the security strategy to obtain the resources required to enhance security nationally and internationally. The pentagon is also effective in formulating national security policy. More recently, the Pentagon has concentrated on the climate change aspect of national security, in additional to the enhanced risks associated with terrorism, food scarcity, international poverty and infectious diseases (Roger & Harvey 133). The policy also forecasts the increasing need for military disaster responses during the cases of extreme weather that enhances the level of international humanitarian crises. The personal strategy illustrates the strategy adapted by the military to address security challenges like; rising sea levels, increased violent storms, and enhanced droughts. The defense department initiates strategies for mitigating climate change risks in all operational areas; for example, military planning processes. The White House spearheads the National Security Council (NSC) in foreign and also security policy areas. The NSC comprises the President and other key cabinet members and security officials. The main responsibility of the NSC is to give advice to the president in the areas of foreign policies and also national security policies. The president also coordinates the policies in various agencies through the NSC. The NSC was initiated through the National Security Act (1947). In the reorganization plan of 1949, the NSC was initiated under the Executive Office. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was initiated through the National Security Act (1947). The Director of the Central Intelligence is the leader of the intelligence community. He/she is responsible for advising the president on national security intelligence. CIA addresses security policy issue through several concepts. The agency develops several multidisciplinary centers that tackle high priority areas like

Cybersecurity Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cybersecurity - Personal Statement Example My academic objectives can be divided into two sections, long term and short term objectives. My general objective at the moment is the acquirement of additional knowledge that would serve me in my career operations. Taking cyber security classes would increase my basis of knowledge in IT and related subjects thus allowing me to not only expand my area of expertise, but improve on the existing ones as well. The overall objective mentioned above can be seen as the leading long term objective in my academic path. I am aware that this would require my whole concentration on the achievement of these objectives in order to progress in this particular aim. I believe that my previous experiences, however, will serve me in successfully achieving this endeavor. My previous studies in India concerning web programming languages enabled me to develop a steady and applicable approach to new academic challenges in my life. This was because apart from the study of the various languages (which inclu ded PHP, MySQL and asp.net), I also enrolled for an online course on DB analyzing on www.coursera.com. This was at the same time as my web language courses that helped develop my personal organization and prioritization skills. My research interests lie in the world of E-commerce, and my main career plan is growing the business that I established with two other partners after my studies. This company offers web solutions for any company with (or in need of) an online platform. This business will be able to achieve this growth through the additional expertise I will gain from the cyber security classes. About my qualifications, I have a number of past achievements that I believe puts me in the driver’s seat for additional success should I continue to apply myself. As a student, my graduation project was able to win first place in Salman bin Abdulaziz University in the

Economic Development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Economic Development - Research Paper Example Economic development is important in regard to urban planning. Vibrant economic development is deeply rooted in optimal resource allocation and coordination of productive activities in an economy. Economic development transfers these attributes to urban planning, thereby enhancing its efficacy and contribution to national goals of economic welfare. Economic development also fosters the interrelationship of different sectors of the economy. Urban planning is undertaken by metropolitan authorities under planning bodies of the larger governance. It therefore outlines an indication of the position of urban planning prior to the desired land use patterns. Policy makers have considerations to make in regard to infrastructure requirements. Diversity and dynamism of both local and international infrastructure requirements require that policy makers assess both local and international infrastructure demands in order to come up with viable plans and projects that account for these requirements in the short run and the long run (Levy 257). Social, economic and political factors should characterize policy makers’ considerations in the context of infrastructure

Research paper on Global Warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research paper on Global Warming - Essay Example It is high time to introduce punitive laws which may protect us from polluting the atmosphere. It is also time to plant as many trees as possible in order to restore the damage done to the atmosphere. Third World Countries and the developing countries sacrifice environmental protection and all related provisions for the sake of infrastructure and manufacturing build up and growth of the national gross domestic product. It is obvious, though, that atmospheric pollution (which is synonymously referred to as air pollution) is not a matter of domestic concern only, because it has no official boundaries and contributes to general worsening of global ecological situation. Global warming is widely discussed nowadays in all areas of human activity and on all levels of government, because ozone layer depletion and greenhouse effect are both direct consequences of chemical emissions in the atmosphere. It may seem at the first sight that human factor is determinative and the only one responsible for current atmospheric pollution; in fact, both natural and man-made sources contribute to air pollution. However, no one will deny that humanity produced a devastating effect on all natural resources due to increased levels of their consumption and exploitation. In order to decrease atmospheric pollution and to guarantee future effectiveness and stability of this reduction, it is necessary to implement specific mitigation strategies. This research paper aims at the description of the notion of global warming and of the way it may affect life on the planet. The possible solutions of the problem (within the limits of mitigation plan) are to be suggested, supported by the analysis of the mitigation strategies that are now in action on both global and national levels. 2. Global Warming- A Global menacw The amount of atmospheric pollution people produce is too high, thus, it is necessary to apply effective measures to minimize the negative ecological outcome that industrialized society is to blame for. There are several sources of air pollution, however the most powerful and directly linked to human activity are fuel combustion (cars) and industrial emissions. Automobiles' exhaust gases constitute a large portion of the overall global atmospheric pollution. As far as the developed countries are concerned, vehicles emit more pollutants in the atmosphere if compared with industry. "On a global scale, cars emit about 300 million tones of toxic exhaust gases into the atmosphere each year" (Climate in Cities: Fuel Combustion During Energy Production and Transportation 2009). The exhaust gases produced by vehicles' petrol engines contain many pollutants, such as nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and a certain amount of solid particles. Nitric oxide is responsible for the growth of so called petrochemical fogs that result from the gasoline exhaust gases exposure to sunlight. In particular, ozone, as the product of petrochemical reactions, emerges as a result of nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide exposure to sunlight. For the larger part of the twentieth century vehicles burnt fossil fuels with comparatively high concentration of

Biography of an African Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Biography of an African - Essay Example These facts, combined with continued political struggles in Ethiopia, make bringing books to children rather difficult, to say the least. Yohannes Gebregeorgis fell in love with books at the age of 19 when someone loaned him a romance novel. While his childhood in Ethiopia was happy, books were rare, and reading a romance novel simply for the pleasure of it sparked his later commitment to sharing that experience with as many of his fellow countrymen as possible (Coeyman, 2002). Gebregeorgis fled his native country and emigrated to the United States in 1982, where he earned a master’s degree in library science. He found his calling when he joined the San Francisco Public Library’s children’s department. He worked there for more than a decade before a good idea took his life down a different path. A colleague asked Gebregeorgis to make a list of Ethiopian children’s books so the library could add them to the collection. When he found none after months of searching, Gebregeorgis used his disappointment in a positive way by setting up a publishing group and the Ethiopian Books for Children and Educational Foundation in 1998 (Coeyman, 2002; EthiopiaReads.org, 2008; Reading Today, 2008). As with almost all grass-roots non-profits dedicated to such a specific task, no matter how worthy the endeavor money was hard to raise. Gebregeorgis did what all grass-roots fundraisers do: he didn’t wait for the big donors to come through; he developed a fundraising vehicle of his own. â€Å"Kilu Mammo† (â€Å"Silly Mammo†) grew out of this dream, for both its literary value and its fundraising appeal. The EBCEF made this simple story its first imprint in 1998 (Reading Today, 2008). The publishing group has since published books written in Amharic as well as Oromo and Tigrignya (Tigrigna), three of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia, in

Public Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Public Health - Essay Example blishment of health care organizations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the government has been able to provide effective guidelines to the communities. This paper seeks to identify five areas of public health guidance that are provided by NICE on type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the paper will also discuss the role of other organizations in producing the guidance as well as evaluation of the social, political, economical and environmental aspects facilitating the public health guidance. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence aims at providing national guidance to improve health and social care. Having being formed in 1999 as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, NICE is a non departmental public body that is under the department of health in UK (Sorenson et al, 2009). The renaming of National Institute for Clinical Excellence to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence came about in 2013 after the passing of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. NICE undertakes it duties by three notable ways. First, it embarks on providing evidence based guidance as well as advice for health to the social care practitioners and public health officials (Blustein, 2006). Secondly, NICE engages in developing quality standards and metrics that are used by those providing social care services and public health. Thirdly, the organization provides a range of information that across the spectrum of health care services. Since it was established in 1999 as National Institute for Clinical Excellence as indicated earlier, NICE has provided wide range of advice of effective as well as good value healthcare. During the month of April 2013, NICE was provided with a new duty that entailed providing guidance for the individuals working in a social care. Apart from encouraging healthy living to United Kingdom residents, NICE guidance emulates the necessary standards for quality health care (Boseley and Sparrow, 2008). Some of

The Individual Access to Health and Social Care Essay

The Individual Access to Health and Social Care - Essay Example This was actually because of dementia, that she was developing. Not knowing this, she started withdrawing from life. She might have been afraid to walk or talk because she was forgetting the way to the bathroom and the face of her neighbor. Because of her learning disability, she was unable to communicate these problems with the doctors and nurses. This is the key issue regarding our system of health care, which is insensitive to the needs of those who require special attention, like Sarah. This becomes a problem in the society considering the fact that â€Å"the prevalence of dementia among people with a learning disability can be four times higher than found in the general population (Keady, Clarke and Page, 2007, p.189).A patient with the learning disability can have a set of problems related with cognition and corresponding behavior. Hence, definitions for learning disability vary according to specific contexts. For example, psychologists say that there is a â€Å"specific lear ning disability† or SLD when an individual has a â€Å"problem in understanding or in using spoken or written language†. Another definition says that it is a â€Å"difficulty in more than one of the psychological processes involved in understanding or using language in a person of average to above average intelligence† (Boyle and Contadino, 1998, p.78). Some warning signs for learning disability in a child can be problems related with language, memory, attention and motor skills (Boyles and Contadino, 1998, p.66).... This is the key issue regarding our system of health care, which is insensitive to the needs of those who require special attention, like Sarah. This becomes a problem in the society considering the fact that â€Å"the prevalence of dementia among people with a learning disability can be four times higher than found in the general population (Keady, Clarke and Page, 2007, p.189). A patient with learning disability can have a set of problems related with cognition and corresponding behavior. Hence, definitions for learning disability vary according to specific contexts. For example, psychologists say that there is a â€Å"specific learning disability† or SLD, when an individual has a â€Å"problem in understanding or in using spoken or written language† (Boyles and Contadino, 1998, p.62). Another definition says that it is a â€Å"difficulty in more than one of the psychological processes involved in understanding or using language in a person of average to above avera ge intelligence† (Boyle and Contadino, 1998, p.78). Some warning signs for learning disability in a child can be problems related with language, memory, attention and motor skills (Boyles and Contadino, 1998, p.66). The overall consequences of learning disability can be: A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with; A reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning); Which started before adulthood, with lasting effect on development (Corbett, 2007, p.2). As the patients with learning disability are a group so diverse, they need â€Å"at various times throughout life†, â€Å"varying levels of support† (Corbett, 2007, p.3). Hence it is very

E-Business and E-Commerce Web Apps Essay Example for Free

E-Business and E-Commerce Web Apps Essay Identify E-Business and E-Commerce Web Apps for Planned Transformation Up-North Fishing Outfitters (UNFO) is the premier source for those fishing in northern Michigan. They provide equipment, watercraft, safety gear, and other products for local and tourist anglers. UNFO wants to pursue an e-business model to realize additional revenue streams, reduce costs, and improve customer service. With the full support of senior management, the IT department has been tasked to identify e-business and e-commerce web applications to support the proposed transformation. Having a presence on the web will open UNFO up to a wider array of customers. There are a number of free e-commerce software packages out there, but using them would require some technicians in the IT department to know how to customize, deploy and secure them. Some of the free packages are Apache OFBiz (Java), Magento (PHP), Spree Commerce (Ruby), and OpenCart (PHP). The free packages are the most cost efficient way for an e-commerce solution. Most companies advertise that they are low cost for the obvious reasons. Integrated Systems Management Inc. (ISM) boasts a low cost solution that has been â€Å"helping companies in diverse industries to use the Internet to streamline business processes, reduce costs, increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, improve their bottom line, and expand their Web presence.†* ISM will design, build, deploy, enhance, maintain, and even host and manage (if desired) your Web-based applications. Some security concerns would include cross-site scripting, exposure of PII and financial information. If a free option is chosen and management and maintenance are kept in-house, then technicians should be properly trained on how to best protect the web site and how to recognize fraudulent transactions. If control of the site will be outsourced, then the organization selected should be reputable, and UNFO and the selected organization should work together to ensure security of the information while it is in transit. Another concern would be storage of the information once it is collected. UNFO must ensure that they remain compliant with the regulations and laws that govern privacy and financial transactions. Failing compliancy could be costly in both money and reputation. Storage and backups should be a part of UNFO’s disaster recovery plan.

The contributions of perfomance management systems

The contributions of perfomance management systems The need for effective performance management has grown in organizations for various reasons. Such reasons include providing appropriate employee rewards, managing employee competencies, indicating the degree, nature, acceptability or unacceptability of work and measuring extent and process of goal attainment (Shields 2007). To ensure an effective and efficient performance management, performance management systems (PMS) have been developed and implemented in many organizations today. Linge and Schiemann (1996), de Waal and Coevert (2007) and Lawson et al. (2003) cited in de Waal and Counet (2008) agrees that PMS is a critical contributor to top class performance and quality output of organizations. Consequently, when critically assessing the main contributions of PMS to organizational and individual performance, the impact of such contributions on the organization and individuals will be considered as the measuring unit. 2.0 Contributions of Performance Management Systems The nine main contributions of PMS to organizations and individuals includes: consolidating operational information to reflect a single meaningful picture of the organization, developing realistic performance and business goals, developing well-structured business plans with proper risk management measures, developing processes that change with the business environment, providing ease of information analysis, providing opportunities for performance improvement, enhancing trustworthy reporting, increasing confidence in business execution and improving the performance culture of the organization (Dresner 2008). Each of these contributions will be considered in details. An effective PMS pulls data from different organizational systems and presents the information in a timely, accurate, relevant, consistent and controlled manner. When relevant and critical information is stored away in individual departments, it becomes difficult for management at any level to see the performance of the entire organization. This hampers or degrades the quality of decisions made since relevant information is not available or is not available in a timely manner. Moreso, management reports about the different business units will not be accurate and consistent since the information is incorrect. When management is able to see the entire organization, it will be possible to determine the key performance indicators of the organization ascertain real performance drivers and produce consistent and reliable organization reports (Dresner 2008, pp. 141-2). A good PMS helps management develop realistic performance expectations of the business units in the organization. When management lacks a basis for setting performance goals for the organization, the goals becomes unrealistic, irrelevant and meaningless and results in wasted resources, demotivation of employees and unnecessary refinements of business goals. Suitable performance management applications enable managers to develop appropriate business and performance goals on a sound basis (such as the organization corporate strategy), communicate appropriately these goals, take responsibility of these goals, and drive the success of these goals. These ensure managers align all the business units goals to the corporate focus of the organization (Dresner 2008, pp. 143-4; Johnson, Scholes Whittington 2008). A properly structured PMS enables an equally structured business plan. Such plans includes appropriate feedback mechanisms and appropriate performance measurement metrics. When management is knowledgeable of the key performance indicators of the business and the plan is properly structured to ensure negative conflict is reduced between the business units, business results can be reasonably forecasted. Additionally, when business plans are aided with contextual information such as industry benchmarks, customer satisfaction surveys, call center reports, revenues, profit and cash flow reports, management will measure relevant performance activities, demonstrate reasonable achievable results to stakeholders and reduce risks because the basis of the plan informs the relevant risks the organization should be concerned about (Armstrong 2006, pp. 48-52, 90-7; Dresner 2008, pp. 144-5). A desired PMS assist organizations to adjust their strategic, tactical and operational plans when the business environment changes (Armstrong 2006; Wiesner Millet 2001, p. 117). Such robust plans do not necessarily sacrifice core business priorities or primal intra-dependencies in the organization rather it is incremental depending on emerging opportunities or changes in business environment (Grant 2005). When managers at all levels develop plans with changing business conditions in mind, the need for a dynamic planning process begins to emerge. Such realization enables an organization to develop the culture of continuously matching corporate plans with current realities, refines previous forecasts based on current knowledge and aligns individual business unit activities to current happenings. As a result management is constantly abreast with the present, improves critical planning competencies and modifies communication across the organization. This competence leads to better perfo rmance and an organization that approaches the future with confidence (Dresner 2008, pp. 145-7). A robust PMS presents information in a way that enables easy retrieval, comparison and evaluation of data. A PMS contributes more to an organization when it does not only pull information to a single point but compiles, compares, contrasts, evaluates and presents meaningful results from such data. Moreso, when actions are critical for the business, built-in prompts in the PMS alert for such critical actions to be carried out. Such automatic features increases the visibility of the organizations performance, ensures managers act efficiently and effectively and ensures the business remains competitive (Dresner 2008, pp. 147-8). Interestingly, a good PMS provides individuals and business units across the organization with an opportunity to improve performance. This performance improvement begins with the performance accountability culture that results when a PMS is used daily in controlling and managing the organization. Hence, accountability enables employees and managers to be responsible for their performance and when mistakes are made, consequences observed, corrections made and positive results emerge from the corrections made, this improves learning and performance (Dresner 2008, pp. 148-9). A functional PMS assures and ensures that organizations publications are trustworthy. When a PMS collates, analyses and consolidates information in a timely manner from all the business units into a single platform, managers at all levels can access, integrate and certify published reports since there is sound basis for its composition. The organization will be able to confidently report key performance drivers to the organization and stakeholders. When the PMS is built with suitable capabilities organizations can publish consistent, relevant and accurate reports in less time and with less effort (Dresner 2008, pp. 149-50). An enterprise wide PMS ensures proper guide is provided for smooth execution of business plans across the organization. When a PMS has all the planning information, integrates all the changes and relevant refinements of business decisions and goals across the organization, incorporates all the resources required to achieve the set out objective of the business units, management will be able to provide clear direction on the execution strategy of the task. Managers at all levels will be able to carry out the business executions confidently, communicated appropriately and effectively the progress and status of the executions. When a PMS can provide an end-to-end operational support structure, managers can confidently decide, monitor and report real time impacts on business decisions which enhance top quartile performance (Dresner 2008, pp. 150-1). A comprehensive PMS builds a generally performance-driven and accountable business organization. When a business operates a PMS that is used to control and manage the organization daily, enormous data of information gained from various business aspects would provide enormous insight into key performance criteria of the organization. An organization emerges that focuses and gains experience in performance-related information gathering, performance-related activity alignment, performance-driven business planning, performance-related analysis, performance-related monitoring, forecast and reporting and a general performance driven culture. These make an organization and employees of the organization more competent and perform better and manage the organization better (Dresner 2008, pp. 151-2). The impact of the main contributions of PMS begins with the nature of PMS implementation in the organization. 3.0 Lessons learned from Performance Management Implementation The article Lessons learned from performance management systems implementations reveals problems that are encountered during the implementation and use of PMSs. Serious problems with PMS implementations could mitigate the contributions expected to be derived from the use of PMS. The article records that fifty six percent of PMS implementations fail before organizations can realise any meaningful benefit from the system (de Waal Counet 2008). In other words, PMS only contributes to organizational and individual performance forty four times for every hundred attempts at its use. 3.1 Causal factors The consideration of the causal factors resulting in PMSs failing at the implementation stage or if implemented not effectively used in organizations is therefore significant. Identified problem areas contributing to this failure includes senior and middle level management paying less importance to the PMS implementation, prolonged, extended and unanticipated resource requirements during implementations, complete lack of resources for the PMS implementation, unfavourable environmental pressures during implementations, perceived lack of focus of the PMS implementation by employees, lack of or not long enough enthusiasm by senior and middle level management on the PMS implementation, mounting resistance or low commitment by employees to the implementation and use of the new PMS, lack of adequate information and computer technology (ICT) infrastructure to support the implementation and use of the PMS, poor use of the PMS by management (such as using it as a punitive tool for employees), incompatibility of PMS with the organizations main objectives, constricted use of PMS (such as only a reporting tool), poor definition and/or poor linkage of the relevant measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to different individuals and departments of the organizations, lack of competence in the use of PMS, too many or wrong KPIs measured by PMS, lack of an organization change strategy for the use of the new PMS, lack of and/or poor motivation mechanisms for employees in the use of new system, poor performance culture in the organization, no single point responsibility of PMS, lack of or poor general maintenance of the system, difficulties in getting relevant data for performance calculations, no plan to embed its use in the organization beyond management changes and perceived lack of improvement in the organization after using the system for sometime (de Waal Counet 2008). The most important problem areas that had the severest consequences were a lack of top management commitment; not having a performance management (PM) culture; PM getting a low priority or its use being abandoned after a change of management; management putting low priority on the implementation; and people not seeing (enough) benefit from PM (de Waal Counet 2008, p. 367). The enormity of the problems relating to PMS implementation and use reveals the seriousness of removing these impediments if PMS must have a chance to positively contribute to the performance of organizations and individuals. 4.0 Successful Performance Management Implementation The assessment of a properly implemented PMS is important to the performance health of any organization. The American Productivity and Quality Center (2004) reveals the results of successfully implemented PMSs in five companies namely Bank of America, Crown Castle International, JetBlue Airways Corporation, L.L. Bean and Saturn Corporation. It highlights ten success factors that ensured such successful PMS implementation as including the organization measuring its important objectives, incorporating the performance system into its daily operations, reflecting the organizations maturity level in the PMS, making provisions for flexibility in the PMS, simplifying processes in using the PMS, creating successful change plans from the old PMS (if existent) to the new PMS, ensure transparent communication from the PMS to the organization, incorporates the PMS into the organizations culture, structure the PMS with organization structure and ensure a commitment to action based on the results of the PMS. 4.1 Analysis Therefore, the successful implementation of the PMS impacted positively on the organizations. Since the use of PMS represented ninety-four percent of the organizations activities, it can be said that the PMS was applied to the daily operations of the organizations. The result is that business objectives were directly impacted positively. For example, the Bank of America recorded an increase in customers checking account and increase in earning per share. Crown Castle was able to improve their cash flow positively and in some cases beat market expectations for the company. Similar successes were recorded by the other organizations studied. Additionally, organizations were able to demonstrate these positive impacts easily since the use of the system makes all the organizations efforts visible and transparent. For example, Bank of America incorporated a customer performance analysis that enabled the bank demonstrate how and where it had to improve in relation to their customers. Similar ly, L.L. Bean was able to demonstrate analysis of its normal activities in comparison to its seasonal engagements. Other organizations shared the same positive outlook. Subsequently, PMS contributed to the continuous improvement efforts in the organizations. The organizations were able to manage their corporate balance scorecard, manage improvements to the company process and develop future plans based on such improvements. For example, Saturn was able to improve their customer relationship by adapting its PMS to focus on six core values of customer enthusiasm, retail partnership, passion to excellence, teamwork, trust and respect for the individual which resulted in their retailers sharing the same system, consistency in reporting and measurement of criteria. The use of PMS ensured that all the levels of the organization were able to predict future impacts on the business which means that future strategic, tactical and operational plans will be easily broken down and aligned with t he organizations departments. For example, L.L. Bean linked the lower level plans to individuals and the various expected individuals activities calculated to determine the corporate performance indicator. Another area of positive impact was the ease or review and reporting with the use of PMS. Unlike traditional staff performance appraisal that occurs at the end of the year, functional PMSs made it easy to observe, assess and report daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or when required. If the PMS is not delivering on the intended objectives, amendments can be made with little disruption and impact to the business. For example, business performance in Bank of America and Saturn are inputted and analyzed daily to determine gaps, causes, corrective measures or changes in business approach (American Productivity and Quality Center 2004). 4.2 Lessons learned from successful Performance Management System Implementation Hence, the key lessons from these successful implementations highlights the criticality of organizations leaders and employees maintaining commitment to the PMS, populating it, using it daily, embedding it into the organizations culture and training staff. Interestingly, this finding agrees with de Waal and Counet (2008) in the article Lessons learned from Performance Management Implementations in which lack of management commitment was among the severest detriment to successful PMS implementations. Moreso, the implementation revealed that when the organization is assisted by the PMS to be proactive and the organization feels that it is achieving its strategic plans, the PMS continues to remain relevant and effective to the organization. When the PMS is perceived as uncomplicated, provides information to the different departments when needed and enables rewards of hard working employees, the PMS will be easily maintained to provide the critical performance measurements needed by the organization (American Productivity and Quality Center 2004). 4.3 Assessment of the contributions Therefore, a critical assessment of the impact of PMS on Bank of America, Crown Castle International, JetBlue Airways Corporation, L.L. Bean and Saturn Corporation based on successful implementations of PMS could be stated as ensuring business objectives are positively achieved, visible and transparent demonstration of efforts towards goal attainment, highlight of organization improvement areas and efforts applied, prediction of future impacts on the organization, ease of reporting and review of key performance criteria of the organization. Thus, it can be said that these organizations have been impacted positively through the use of the PMS. Therefore the author in its critical assessment is in favor of the argument that PMS delivers enormous value to both individual and the organization and its use should be sustained when implemented. 5.0 The Scorecard System More specifically, a popular performance management system in use today is the scorecard system. Many companies have deployed the use of the scorecard system in strategic management of their organizations performance (Hatch, Lawson DesRoches 2008, p. 7). The impact of using the scorecard system on Suzano Petroquimica Company is assessed next. 5.1 Application of Scorecard System to Suzano Petroquimica Suzano Petroquimica Company (SPQ) is a Latin American industry leader producing polypropylene resins and a major producer of thermoplastic resins in Brazil. With a production capacity of 685,000 tons/year distributed across Latin America, SPQ continued to expand to consolidate its leadership position in the polypropylene business with the goal of being the second largest producer of thermoplastic in the region. SPQ advanced to becoming joint controlling shareholders in other companies that supplied them the raw materials for their business. In 2005, SPQ earned a gross income of $980 million representing a 126 percent sales increase with its 474 employees (Hatch, Lawson DesRoches 2008). That same year SPQ was inducted into the Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame due to its massive success in the use and application of the balanced scorecard framework in managing and improving its company performance. To fully understand the impact of the performance management tool (scorecard system) used by SPQ, consideration of the process that resulted in such massive success is explored. To achieve their vision of industry leader in 2003, SPQ followed the process of change management, implementation and observation. During the change management phase, SPQ had to inform the employees clearly of the planned change to the use of the scorecard system, the reason for the change, benefits of employees embracing the change, develop a strategy for measuring, monitoring, assessing and correcting performance at all levels in the organization. During the implementation, SPQ dissected the corporate strategy and assigned actionable parts of the strategy to individuals and departments making the individuals and teams responsible for the outcome of their assignments. To align the entire perspectives of the organization, 650 measures were monitored by the scorecard system. Measures relating to finances were tied to the financial planning system and automated to enable real time cost monitoring. Short term, medium term and long term goals of the organization were also tied to the scorecard system wherein senior management would review the relevant measures to determine the performance and needed performance adjustments required for the different range of goals. Furthermore, to align employee actions to the scorecard system and ensure organization wide use and acceptance, SPQ linked the remuneration system, bonuses, individual objectives and corporate team incentives to the scorecard system. Apart from SPQ achieving industry leader status, it was observed that SPQ noted many benefits from its implementation of the scorecard system. Such benefits included improved and integrated communication between individuals and teams and between teams and management, corporate strategy communicated in a simplified manner, corporate goals performance were linked to remuneration, effect of performance on the measures monitored were visibly related to the corporate strategy, employee actions were aligned to corporate goals and strategy, entire organization worked as shareholders in the company and positive changes of employee behavior since rewards were tied to performance (Hatch, Lawson DesRoches 2008, pp. 131-3). 5.2 Assessment A critical assessment of the contributions of the performance management system scorecard system reveals many positive impacts on SPQ. Implementing the use of PMS in 2003 and within two years achieving the industry leader status as an organization is a massive feat. Additionally, the application of the PMS to individual performance in the organization is significant wherein individuals objectives were not only linked to corporate objectives but hardworking individuals would be rewarded accordingly based on their performance. The author agrees with the evidence that Performance Management Systems contribute positively to organizational performance. However, the author recommends that the linking of individual performance to remuneration and rewards should be categorized (years of experience, degree of training etc.) and with a reasonably fixed remuneration baseline. This is to ensure that new recruits are kept reasonably motivated to continue improving their performance since they w ill not necessarily be able to perform like the more experienced employees. 6.0 Criticism of Performance Management Systems Notwithstanding the benefits of PMS, the current applications of PMS have been criticized on many grounds. Earlier scholars believed that there is too much emphasis on performance rather than individual learning embedded in the PMS. It is argued that a learning approach should be encouraged more in organizations than a performance-based approach towards employees. For example, Barrie and Pace (1999, p. 295) cited in Swanson and Elwood (2009) argues that it is the performance perspective that denies a persons fundamental and inherent agency and self-determination, not the learning perspective. All of the negative effects of training come from a performance perspective. Moreso, Bierema (1997, p. 23-4) cited in Swanson and Elwood (2009) adds that the machine mentality in the workplace, coupled with obsessive focus on performance, has created a crisis in individual development and that valuing development only if it contributes to productivity is a viewpoint that has perpetuated the mech anistic model of the past three hundred years. Dirkx (1997, p. 43) cited in Swanson and Elwood (2009) decries that even the so-called learning that seems to be projected in PMS are defined according to the perceived needs of the sponsoring organization and the work individuals are required to perform regardless of its contribution to the ultimate societys economic competitiveness and therefore the learning is simply a market-driven education. Additionally, Smither and London (2009) criticises four aspect of PMSs namely performance appraisal, accountability, excessive goals and contesting priorities. The philosophy of the performance appraisal aspect of PMS have been criticised as often being poorly developed in organizations and which is usually ill-executed. Also, when there are external and overarching factors such as effects of organizational structure, technology enablers or supply chain resources shortfalls, even a high performer may fail to reach set goals of which these causes may not be discounted in the PMS. Moreover, the idea of performance appraisal usually disruptive conflicts that negatively affect teamwork and damage relationships. It also confuses workers who wonder if there should always strive for the highest rating or identify areas of personal development and risk low performance rating. Therefore employees are usually placed in a position to do what is expected to be done and not necessarily what is kn own to be right because of the fear of being called the low performer. In this context also, performance appraisal can lower self-esteem which can affect workers motivation (Davidson et al. 2009). Accountability is an important part of the PMS. The competence of managers to truly analyse an individual enough to carry a complex psychological process of setting appropriate goals for many individuals, mentoring and coaching them is questioned. Moreover, the ability of managers in the performance management process to balance the roles of telling an employee that the employee is a low performer while at the same time he is expected to be the coach and mentor is questioned in the process. Goal setting is critical to PMS. Locke and Lotham (1990) cited in Smither and London (2009) emphasizes that if there are many goals and enough time it can be accomplished but when there are many goals to be executed at the same time performance can be mitigated. Practitioners suggests seven goals (Smither London 2009) but many organizations have much more goals and sub-goals designated to individuals and teams which is argued will be counter-productive explaining the reason PMSs are not effective. Contesting priorities is a fact of business that draws on the competence of managers and employees. Managers have realised that in the normal course of business huge tradeoffs usually occur beyond the ability of the manager to control in order to achieve the most pressing goal. The application of the balanced scorecard (BSC) proposed by Kaplan and Norton (1996) focussing on assessing performance on four broad areas of the business has been criticised as unrealistic in measuring individual performance since due to tradeoffs, should not be expected to meet all the goals, hence PMS explained as ineffective (Smither London 2009). 7.0 Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusively, a critical assessment of the contributions of PMS to organizational and individual performance reveals that PMS delivers many benefits to the organization when properly implemented. However, organizations confirm that individual performance is improved when Performance Management Systems were deployed. While the debate continues as to the overall benefit of the PMS from an individuals viewpoint, the author believes that Performance Management Systems should be implemented in a manner that satisfies the needs of the individual while satisfying the organizations objectives. While the balance of objectives between individual and organization will not be easy, organizations that make the effort will continue to benefit by retaining the best of workers in the industry.

Analysing Porters Diamond Framework In Modern Industries

Analysing Porters Diamond Framework In Modern Industries Since the publication of Porters book, The Competitive Advantage of Nations in 1990, it has attracted considerations from other scholars. Porter used the Diamond model as a theoretical framework for analyzing the national competitiveness, explaining Why do some social groups, economic institutions, and nations advance and prosper? Although Porters Diamond framework has had extensive research and discussion by other scholars, it has also subjected to many doubts and criticism. The diamond model has been founded as too abstract and is only applicable to developed countries which neglected historical dimensions of the late development theory. It also gave too little attention on the impact of national culture as well as downplays the role of the state while it is one of the most influential factors that contribute toward the national competitiveness. Queries have been raised whether factor and demand conditions are transnational or purely national. The essay will assess the idea about diamond model and the Competitive Advantage of Nations in detail and argue that Porters Diamond model does not provides a satisfactory solution to the explain the reason of a nation that achieves international success in a particular industry. Different views of scholars will be employed to highlight the arguments, empirical evidences of industries among the five big countries would be discussed and relevant theories will be cited to support the findings. Principle The primary objective of the book is to explain that the influence of the nation on the international competitive performance of firms occurs through the way in which a firms proximate environment shapes its competitive success over time (Porter 1990 p.29). Also, the level of economic development and national competitiveness of a country is not only related to the political environment and the whole economic conditions, the home base play an important role. Porter has analyzed that the firms are principle actors rather than the nations and states that competitive advantage is created and sustained through a highly localized process. Porter s theory of national competitive advantage, the Diamond model has been developed as a tool through studying of a hundred industries among ten nations to analyze the reasons that a nation could achieve international success in a particular industry. He believes that the ability of a country to gain competitive advantage and become success in a particular industry depends on four national determinants of competitive advantage in a particular industry: 1) Factor conditions which include both basic and advanced factors such as human, physical, knowledge and capital resources as well as infrastructure while advanced factors are the most significant for the competitive advantage 2) Demand conditions, Porter place particular emphasis on the structure of demand in the home market and the role of home demand in providing the impetus for upgrading competitive advantage. 3 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °related and supporting industries. This refers to the clustering of suppliers, knowledge-input institutions and end-users in close proximity which stimulate innovation and increase competitiveness. 4 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °firm strategy, structure and rivalry. It includes the way in which firm are managed and chose to compete. Domestic rivalry is effective in competitive advantage upgrading which gives pressure to the firms to improve on the aspects of quality, innovation and controlling cost. Chance and the government are the two external variables that influence the four determinants of the diamond model. From porters point of view, Chance events (Porter 1990) can create discontinuities that allow shifts in competitive position. while Government is the one which could benefits or adversely affects the four determinants of national advantage in an industry. The diamond model is shown below: (Wikipedia) Example of Pharmacheutical industry Porters first application of the diamond approach has been commended and criticized (Rugman 1991; Dunning 1993; Cho 1994; Brouthers, Brouthers 1997; Moon et al. 1998) as its diamond model has an exclusive focus on the home base concept, which leads to failure to incorporate the effects of multinational activities in his model. The success Germany is because of RD base in the pharmaceutical industry, but the base is mostly come from the outward FDI which is more the multinational activities rather than the home base. According to Gambardella (2000) The competitive advantages of pharmaceutical industry are RD and innovative competencies, marketing and distribution capabilities. Other determinant factors such as financial system, government regulation, education, private businesses and demand etc. are all influences an industry and companies success. Local competitors of multinationals are usually smaller companies specialized in sales of non RD intensive drugs (Gambardella, 2000). For example, pharmaceutical companies operations consist mostly of manufacturing and distribution. The demand for pharmaceutical is low in China comparing to Germany, UK, USA and Japan. Refers to European statistics, pharmaceuticals companies in European countries are much more labour intensive than the US and Japanese ones. The US and Japanese companies are more rely on capital and RD While contrasting the share of valued added on total production value, there are much higher for US and Japan companies than the European countries.US and European companies always compete on the level of new product development. Where Germany has a strong base of RD and skill labor force , it has the 3rd largest is the largest pharmaceutical company in the world , Bayer which accounted for the, which working across 50 different nations. They have invested heavily in U.S. markets and continue to seek new product markets. They has also put a lot of effort for investing the new drugs which they outsource d about 5.3 billion Euros in chemicals to India and investing in RD in Chinas agriculture industry with spending more than 100million Euros.As for the UK, it lags behind in innovation in comparison to countries such as the United States. Pfizer, the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world where are GSK is a British one. Pfizer has a competitive advantage over GSK in the British markets because of its marketing superiority, patenting and high level of RD operations . In comparison the pharmaceutical industry in the US, UK , Germany and China, Bayer has invested aggressively in research and development and it ranks highly among American companies Bayers powerful position in the pharmaceutical industry due to the high level of Germanys education which supplied the human capital as well as skilled labor force that are necessary in this highly competitive industry. Although the evidence above illustrates that the German success is due to the reason on the strong RD base in the example pharmaceutical industry, the base is mostly come from the outward FDI which Porter has not regards this as an important factor toward the contribution of competitive advantage. Example of Automobile Industry Furthermore, Cho (1994)  have criticized Porters discussion about the role of state and MNEs in the theory of national competitive advantage and argues that diamond theory proposed by Porter  is limited to  the used in  developing countries,  and emphasis that the different of  Human resources  in a group and between  the different  factors  and  material factors  in the patterns  are different,  will affect  the national competitiveness. This comes to an example of the automobile industry. For instance, China is a late developed countries which has a lower level of education and therefore leads to a more unskilled labor force comparing to the other developed countries such as US, UK, Germany and Japan. In the automobile industry, Firms in Japan such as Toyota has the highest expenditure on RD and innovation where China is much less competitive in terms of innovation in high technology sectors .The main competitive advantage of automobile industry in China is the massive workforce and cheap labor cost in comparison with Japan , US and the European countries, as well as attracting the FDI and MNEs, it increases the national competitiveness. On the other hand, given the fact that Porter has downplayed the role of the Government in the theory of the national competitive advantage, Government still plays an important role in a particular industry of an country especially for the late developed countries. For instance, since the enterprise and financial institution are almost state owned, China is the country that most of the large industries continue relying on the assistant of Government. The example of the Chinese industry shows the fact that the importance of government power as well as the contribution of MNEs in Chinas automobile industry. Porter has been ignores the Late development theory and gave too little consideration to the role of the state. The diamond model would not be applicable for the less developed countries as a tool to analyze the national competitive advantage such as China. Moreover, Bosch and Prooijen(1992) were also proposed that the Diamond model has neglected the impact of  national culture on the  competitive advantage of nations. This focus on a broad range of subjects within the field of management: management style( Lindvist, 1988),human resources management(Schneider,1988) , motivation theory, (Hofstede,1980)learning curves(Hayes and Allinson,1988), technology transfers( Kedia and Bhagat,1988) and marketing strategy( Tse et al., 1988. The pointed out that In countries with less need for uncertainty avoidance, relations are much loose and hesitation to change in smaller. In the example of automobile industry of Japan and European countries, Japanese firms would design the parts together with the suppliers and the car makers whereas the European firms made a new car without any assistant from the suppliers. This illustrates the uncertainty avoider and shows that the national culture has an important impact on these relations. Against the Diamond model : Evidence of Canada However, Dunnings (1980) argue that when large MNEs seek to improve their global competence and efficiency (when a home nation does not have all sources of competitive advantage), their activities in some or all of the determinants do contribute to a host nations competitiveness in the long run. The successful Canadian exporters show a similar pattern, summarised in Porter (1991a, p.140 Figure 5.1). The twenty-five industries are taking into account either the four main conditions, or the two external variables. There were 25 industries that are group into four additional categories for Canada: resource-based, market-access based, innovation-driven and other. The conclusion is drawn as The basic application of the theory captured shows that Canada has no diamonds. And either Canada is in dire economic straits because it lacks these industry patterns, or the diamond does not apply to all national economies. As a result, the empirical tests results have against the Porters diamond theory which Porter has cautionary comments about complacency, and the probable negative effects of the lack of diamonds are simply assertions. In the role of international economy of Canada, it contains the competitive advantages in the aspect of trading comparing to the European countries ,US, UK ,Japan who has strong base of diamond model. Canada also ranks the top three in the exports sectors . In order for a company to be successful within their industry ,they must improve the level of RD such as, attracting MNEs and FDI, investing abroad in labour skills and technology, consequently, as the seen it are hardly that any competitive advantages are purely national. As MNEs start investing in different industry in Canada, it would gain more competitive advantage through which makes the industries become globalization. Conclusion In conclusion, Porters diamond framework has been extensively discussed and broadly used among nations and industries. However, its actual contribution of analyzing the national competitive advantage has not been clarified. From the above evidences, it indicates that there has been inconsistence between the industry evidences among the countries and Porters theory of Diamond model.As Porter states that firms must actively improve their home base in order to upgrading the determinant and gain national competitiveness. However, in the example of pharmaceutical industry, Germanys success due to the mature RD base of the industries where the RD base are mostly depends on the FDI and Government that Porter does not put much attention on. Moreover, Since Porters study of diamond model is only based on ten nations, it does not provide a satisfactory answer to the national competiveness of the industry for less developed countries. In the case study of the pharmaceutical industries, Porter has neglected the Late Development Theory which is not applicable to the countries such as China. On the other hand, the impact of national culture is one of the missing elements in Porters analysis that would be a factor which influences the national competitiveness. Porter has also gave too litter consideration on the aspect of the Government role and participation of the MNEs where the example of automobile industries indicates that both the Government and MNEs has a lot of impacts in the national competiveness. Another disagreement with Porter is that the factors and demands conditions are not purely national. The data from the example shows that Canada has achieved a good standard of the role of international economy. Although industries in Canada does not have a strong diamond structure as Porter required to contain substantial national competitive advantage, it attracts foreign direct investment and reach high level of exports. These all help the Canadian industries to set up the global webs and become globalization. As there are underlying questions and problems of Porters Diamond framework. Other scholars new theories such as Double  Diamond Model (Rugman 1991) and Nine-Factor Model  (Cho 1994) are suggested to adjust the missing dimensions in Porters analysis. This will explains the reason that some nations could achieve success in particular industry in detail and the models could be used to assess competitive advantage of the national environment in more accurate way which also help  the  industry as a whole  to enhance  the international competitiveness.

Blindness in Oedipus the King :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

â€Å"The blind man sees and the seeing man is blind.† To what extent is this true in Oedipus the King? â€Å"To be wise is to suffer.† Throughout this play we see that after Oedipus suffers and loses his eyesight it is only then he is able to seek the truth. When we are first introduced to Oedipus, he is a strong leader who is thoroughly respected by the people of Thebes. â€Å"O greatest of men.† Oedipus was the saviour of Thebes 15 years before he solved the riddle of the Sphinx which freed the city from the plague and death. Because of this act, he inherited the throne although when a new disaster threatened the prosperity of the city, the people of Thebes turned to Oedipus. â€Å"I grieve for you my children. Believe me; I know all that you desire of me, all that you suffer.† Oedipus learns that there is an â€Å"unclean thing† which is polluting their soil. He declares punishment to this thing that if he owns up now then his punishment will not be harsh but if he conceals the truth and it later outed then nothing will save him. â€Å"No matter who he may be, he is forbidden shelter or intercourse with any man.† After declaring this punishment, Oedipus is approached by Teiresias, a frail, blind prophet who says that Oedipus is the â€Å"cursed polluter of this land.† Oedipus is horrified by this accusation and mocks the blind prophet. Later on in the play, we see that Oedipus becomes the figure he once mocked. At the beginning, we are informed that Oedipus has murdered his father and married his mother. Throughout the play, we observe how Oedipus is completely oblivious to this knowledge and we are able to watch how he learns about the truth. As he follows the path to his destruction he becomes aware of the truth. Upon learning that he has killed his father and married his mother, Oedipus gouges out his eyes and makes himself blind. He feels that if he kills himself then he must face his mother/wife and father in heaven and he does not have the strength to do so. Blindness in Oedipus the King :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles â€Å"The blind man sees and the seeing man is blind.† To what extent is this true in Oedipus the King? â€Å"To be wise is to suffer.† Throughout this play we see that after Oedipus suffers and loses his eyesight it is only then he is able to seek the truth. When we are first introduced to Oedipus, he is a strong leader who is thoroughly respected by the people of Thebes. â€Å"O greatest of men.† Oedipus was the saviour of Thebes 15 years before he solved the riddle of the Sphinx which freed the city from the plague and death. Because of this act, he inherited the throne although when a new disaster threatened the prosperity of the city, the people of Thebes turned to Oedipus. â€Å"I grieve for you my children. Believe me; I know all that you desire of me, all that you suffer.† Oedipus learns that there is an â€Å"unclean thing† which is polluting their soil. He declares punishment to this thing that if he owns up now then his punishment will not be harsh but if he conceals the truth and it later outed then nothing will save him. â€Å"No matter who he may be, he is forbidden shelter or intercourse with any man.† After declaring this punishment, Oedipus is approached by Teiresias, a frail, blind prophet who says that Oedipus is the â€Å"cursed polluter of this land.† Oedipus is horrified by this accusation and mocks the blind prophet. Later on in the play, we see that Oedipus becomes the figure he once mocked. At the beginning, we are informed that Oedipus has murdered his father and married his mother. Throughout the play, we observe how Oedipus is completely oblivious to this knowledge and we are able to watch how he learns about the truth. As he follows the path to his destruction he becomes aware of the truth. Upon learning that he has killed his father and married his mother, Oedipus gouges out his eyes and makes himself blind. He feels that if he kills himself then he must face his mother/wife and father in heaven and he does not have the strength to do so.

John Steinbeck :: essays research papers fc

In the nineteen-thirties John Steinbeck rose to a literary prominence. This was a period of time when economical and political crisis had tended to obscure the direction and the value of his work. Steinbeck from the very beginning of his career regarded all causes and all solutions, with both detachment and skepticism. Steinbeck's reviewers were troubled with this detachment, because most other intellectuals had shifted from political alienation to political commitment (Unger 50). Steinbeck was fascinated with the human drama, people that were on the lowest part of the economical chain seemed to interest him. However Steinbeck refused to take part in anything, he did want anything to do with Politics, Steinbeck avoided publicity and his refusal to play a literary role. He made him self as unpopular writer so he never got any serious attention (Unger 52). By this time his work was becoming enormously popular, but as a result of him not taking part in anything his work was often misunderstood. Most literary commentators sharply criticized Steinbeck for dialectical inconsistencies. The readers really failed to understand that he had no fixed dialect. His views were based upon mythic and biological archetypes. Steinbeck always looked for material that might serve as a metaphor for universal rather than particular truth. Steinbeck set his self apart from the Naturalist from the turn of the century and Marxist-orientated writers of the 1930's, because he said that moral choice is a man's proper environment. A moral universe is want set him apart from the rest of nature (Gale 3372). The major books of John Steinbeck are easy reading, but to really understand them you have to have the willingness and ability to work through the most obvious level. Steinbeck uses statements of human truth which goes far beyond the actions themselves, this method is symbolic. This method means that the story can be extremely limited but it triggers chain reactions pointing to universal truth (Gale 3381). Steinbeck uses a wide variety of symbolic and linguistic instruments so he could get the full reality that he wants to communicate with.

Computer Technician :: essays research papers

Computer Technician I Believe a Computer Technician is a good career for me because I have been around computers for many years now and enjoy them. I began to learn the basics of computers from my father when I was about 9 years old. Since then I have pretty much taught myself and took off in the computer field. I now have 7 networked computers " linked together ", help run an internet provider and build web pages. About a year ago my Uncle changed jobs and now he is a Computer Technician. I have been working with him and really enjoy it. Five Tasks a Computer Technician May Perform Generally there are five tasks a Computer Technician has to perform such as : conducting research, analyzing systems, monitoring software and hardware, fixing hardware and software and designing computers. Working Conditions The working conditions of a Computer Technician varies. It depends on where and who you are working for. Usually the average working environment is indoors, quiet, temperature controlled and usually alone. Working Schedule The working hours vary as well. Computer Technician's are on call 24 hours 7 days a week due to the fact that most companies computers are running all the time and cannot wait long for their computer to be fixed. Salary The average salary for a Computer Technician is approximately $65,500 per year. To become a Computer Technician you need one or two years of technical training and you must have good math skills Which most technical and vocational schools offer. There are no licensing or exams needed to pass to become a Computer Technician. Certain personal qualities are needed to become a Computer Technician such as good eyesight, good hearing and the ability to work without supervision. Certain skills are needed as well such as how different computers function and work with others. Computer Technician employment opportunities exist now as listed in the want ad's and are going to continue to grow in the future. To become a Computer Technician you might want to pursue business courses,

Death by Scrabble by Charlie Fish Essay

In the short story Death By Scrabble, Charlie Fish tells a story of a bitter man who is contemplating killing his wife as they engage in a game of Scrabble. Throughout the game, the man notices that the words played on the board manifest into action. After he figures out the words played are coming true, he tries to play words so he can kill her. In the end, he ends up dying after his wife plays the word â€Å"death†. The man expresses his extreme anger and resentment toward his wife throughout the story. The husband and wife seem to share mutual feelings of hatred. He tells himself that if the letters â€Å"give him a sign† he will kill her right then and there. He tries to manipulate the game so he can kill his wife but he is killed instead. The fact that he ultimately dies makes him a static character. Another reason he is to be considered a static character is that he did not gain any insight throughout the story. He failed to see that blaming his wife for is happiness won’t make him any happier. The theme of the story is blame. The husband expresses throughout the duration of the story that he blames his wife for his misery. He fails to realize that she most likely possesses similar feelings of unhappiness. He reasons that if she were dead he would be happier. The central idea of the story is escapist. The husband wants to escape his marriage so badly that he plots to murder his wife. He blames her for his unhappiness and feels he can escape his misery by killing her. Sadly, the main character lacked the insight to see that other people cannot be to blame for your own happiness.

Education Philosophy Outline

Philosophy of Education Outline I. Introduction a. Ever since I was in elementary school, I wanted to become a teacher. I have had some outstanding teachers in my lifetime and I would love to carry on the legacy. I want to inspire the future generation to make the world a better place. b. Every teacher has their own personal views on teaching, learning, goals, and professional development. c. Teaching is not just a job. Teachers mold their students’ futures every day. I believe it is highly important that each teacher strives to make a difference in each student’s life.II. Teaching d. Tools are a necessary part of learning. I plan to use a variety of tools, including SmartBoard technology, books, videos, props, etc. I believe students learn the best by participating in hands-on activities as opposed to only lectures. e. I believe that a teacher should play many roles, not just one. This includes being the motivator, facilitator, challenger, and supporter. f. The School of Thought I agree with is Democratic. This stresses the process of learning, not just the product. It also promotes outside-the-box thinking. g.My preferred educational philosophy is progressivism. I favor an open classroom where students often work together and learn to deal with social problems as well as material from the curriculum. III. Learning h. Learning is something we do every minute of every day. When someone learns, they are broadening their horizons and gaining new experiences. i. Learning is an adventure and a voyage. j. In my classroom, I plan to incorporate a variety of strategies. This includes discussion, but will also include hands-on activities, group work, and presentations. IV. Teaching Goals k.To incorporate out-of-the-box thinking and new ideas. l. To make sure every student understands the subject matter. m. To be open to change and spontaneity. V. Personal or Professional Development n. To make each student truly feel that they are a vital part of the clas sroom, and that they have the power to make a difference. o. To be just as passionate about my work and the subjects studied as I expect my students to be. VI. Conclusion p. When I become a teacher, I hope to change the lives of each and every student. q. Making a difference is inspiring our future generation to change the world.

Letter of Motivation

Motivational letter for university admission Search Send a Message T his message will be pushed to the admin's iPhone instantly. Dear Sirs. Madams I am interested to apply f or a Master's Degree Program in {name od the programme} starting in 2013. graduated in 2011, f rom the University of {name od the university}, USA and hold a Bachelors degree in {name od the programme).T he f our year undergraduate program in {name od the programme} f ormed the asis of my perseverance towards achieving an in-depth knowledge in the f ield of -. As a part ot my degree course I studied various subjects relating to diverse aspects ot {specify} which Includes {specify}. During my bachelor studies, I underwent the experience of developing a {specify}. under the supervision of Prof {name} along with my colleague have prepared the {specify}. While submitting the assignment, our lecturer observed {specify} and recommended our product f or {specify}. pon receiving this acknowledgment of my work I would lik e to carry on my penchant f or specify}, as this {methodology, issue} is gaining increasing Importance, in all aspects and is having signif cant impact on almost all industries and all areas of society. T here is an ample scope to prove one's ability, competence and intelligence in this revolutionary and potentially very benef ictal {methodology. issue. theory}. Besides the college academics I was actively involved in the extra-curricular activities.T he driving f orce behind all this was my aim to develop all the f acets of my personality. In this process I could not achieve the grades I wanted to, in the f irst and second ear. But soon I garnered the skill of Judicious allocation of time and energy. I do not f eel that the marks I scored are the sole indicators of my understanding of the subject. A cogent reason to augment my bellet is the t inal year of my studies, where with strong f ocus and hard work, I excelled In my graduation with dlsunctlon.Considering my excellent record, my college of f ered me f or a Job as a lecturer. Also f or the past twenty months I have been working as a {specify}- In {speclfy} department of {specify}. My work has helped me develop a thorough insight Into eturn to the academic world f or f urther growth. It has given me the conf idence to pursue a Master's degree and also kindled a desire to do research. T his career with open prospects has given me constant incentive to improve myself and to gain more knowledge, Today I perceive that lif e f or me has been a process of conscious evolution.An integral part of this growth has been the value system imbibed in me by my parents, teachers and mentors and an immense liking f or science. As I embark upon a new I OF2 stage 0T my IIT e, I Delleve tnat a postgraduate study wlll prov10e a mllestone In my areer along with invaluable experiences that will allow me to become a successf ul, innovative prof essional and assist in accomplishing my goals. Ten years f rom now, I envisage myself as a f ull-f ledged research prof essional in an organization, or a f aculty member at some leading university.My decision to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom is underscored by my desire to be a part of the graduate program at your institution. T he pioneering works going on at the -{specify}-department , which include the development of {specify}, perf ectly match with the f ield of my interest. T he interdisciplinary nature of {specify rogramme, field} has convinced me in taking this decision as it is the ideal choice f or an exciting research career. At the same time, I am conf ident of contributing originally to the ongoing work at your department.By working under the guidance of distinguished f aculty, I shall certainly be able to exploit my potential to the f ullest. T he department web site revealed very strong f aculty like Prof . {NAME} involved in extensive research in the area of {specify}. T his has strengthened my resolve to study at University of {NAME}. I am conf ident that the erudite f aculty will make my learning experience extraordinary. If I get the opportunity to be a part of that intellectually stimulating environment, I am sure my talents will be put to optimal use.I am conf ident that overall opportunity to study in Europe will broaden my horizons and give me an opportunity to gain world class education and help me become an excellent world citizen. I would theref ore, f eel obliged to be able to secure admission in your prestigious university with f ull f inancial assistance and pursue my M. S. program. I am sure that I will match all the credentials and will be able to maintain high standards at your university. Letter of Motivation I am interested to apply f or a Master’s Degree Program in {name of the program} starting in 2013. I graduated in 2011, from the University of {name of the University}, USA and hold a Bachelors degree in {name of the program}.The four year undergraduate program in {name of the program} formed the basis of my perseverance towards achieving an in-depth knowledge in the field of –. As a part of my degree course I studied various subjects relating to diverse aspects of {specify} which includes {specify}. During my bachelor studies, I underwent the experience of developing a {specify}. Under the supervision of Prof {name} along with my colleague I have prepared the {specify}.While submitting the assignment, our lecturer observed {specify} and recommended our product f or {specify}-. Upon receiving this acknowledgment of my work I would like to carry on my penchant for {specify}, as this {methodology, issue} is gaining increasing importance, in all aspects and is having signi f icant impact on almost all industries and all areas of society. There is an ample scope to prove one’s ability, competence and intelligence in this revolutionary and potentially very benef icial {methodology, issue, theory}.Besides the college academics I was actively involved in the extra-curricular activities. The driving force behind all this was my aim to develop all the facets of my personality. In this process I could not achieve the grades I wanted to, in the first and second year. But soon I garnered the skill of judicious allocation of time and energy. I do not f eel that the marks I scored are the sole indicators  of my understanding of the subject. A cogent reason to augment my belief is the final year of my studies, where with strong focus and hard work, I excelled in my graduation with distinction. Considering my excellent record, my college offered me for a job as a lecturer.Also f or the past twenty months I have been working as a {specify}- in -{specify} d epartment of {specify}. My work has helped me develop a thorough insight into return to the academic world for further growth. It has given me the confidence to pursue a Master’s degree and also kindled a desire to do research.T his career with open prospects has given me constant incentive to improve myself and to gain more knowledge.Today I perceive that life for me has been a process of conscious evolution. An integral part of this growth has been the value system imbibed in me by my parents, teachers and mentors and an immense liking f or science. As I embark upon a new stage of my life, I believe that a postgraduate study will provide a milestone in my career along with invaluable experiences that will allow me to become a successful, innovative professional and assist in accomplishing my goals. Ten years from now, I envisage myself as a full-fledged research professional in an organization, or a faculty member at some leading university.My decision to pursue graduate st udies in the United Kingdom is underscored by my desire to be a part of the graduate program at your institution. T he pioneering works going on at the -{specify}-department, which include the development of {specify}, perfectly match with the field of my interest. T he interdisciplinary nature of {specify program, field} has convinced me in taking this decision as it is the ideal choice f or an exciting research career. At the same time, I am confident of contributing originally to the ongoing work at your department. By working under the guidance of distinguished faculty, I shall certainly be able to exploit my potential to the fullest.The department web site revealed very strong faculty like Prof . {NAME} involved in extensive research in the area of {specify}. This has  strengthened my resolve to study at University of {NAME}. I am confident that the erudite faculty will make my learning experience extraordinary. If I get the opportunity to be a part of that intellectually sti mulating environment, I am sure my talents will be put to optimal use. I am confident that overall opportunity to study in Europe will broaden my horizons and give me an opportunity to gain world class education and help me become an excellent world citizen. I would therefore, feel obliged to be able to secure admission in your prestigious university with full financial assistance and pursue my M.S. program. I am sure that I will match all the credentials and will be able to maintain high standards at your university.

A&P by John Updike Essay

The story A&P by John Updike is quite well-written. Despite the fact that the story itself does not have too much content, the author is able to keep the reader interested till the very last line. It’s a simple story and the main theme is the rejection of societal norms and restrictions. Sammy who works in the A&P store represents a teenager who takes an on-the-spot decision to stand up to his boss, disagree with his actions and move on with his life. This occurs when three girls in very skimpy clothes visit the store to buy snacks. Their skimpy attire offends the store manager Mr. Langley and he makes it a point to inform the girls that they should be dressed more appropriately next time they enter his store. â€Å"He comes over and says, â€Å"Girls this isn’t the beach† and when the girls react to his statement he says â€Å"I don’t want to argue with you. After this come in here with your shoulders covered. It’s our policy. † Basically, Langley is a conservative who did not like these girls indecently exposing their bodies. On the other hand, this is a free world and people like Mr. Langley have no right to impose their point of view on others. That is precisely why Sammy decided to quit his job even though he is aware that once he loses this job, his life will become more difficult, and his parents will be worried and angry and that there will be consequences of his action. â€Å"You’ll feel this for the rest of your life,† Lengel says and I know that’s true, too†. Nevertheless, he wants to prove his point and wants to stand up for what he believes and that is why he quits and moves on with his life. Overall, it’s a simple story but makes a valid point and is narrated in a very interesting manner. Some questions for others to think about: 1. Why did Sammy feel so strongly about Mr. Langley’s behavior? 2. Do you think Sammy did the right thing? 3. Do you think its right for teenagers today to behave indecently or do you think it’s the old generation which needs to change their attitude? Bibliography 1. Updike, John. (1993) A&P from Rubinstein and Larson’s Worlds of Fiction. Macmillan Coll Div.

Cancer at the molecular level Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cancer at the molecular level - Essay Example (Normal cell cycle) (Genetic mutation- causes alteration in genes) (Alberts, 2007) Cancer is a genetic phenomenon that onsets as a result of trigger in the signal transduction of normal cell cycle, causing alteration in the cellular pathway for uncontrolled proliferation figuring malignant tumors. Cancer cells are not confined to one location and they turn invasive, spread to the nearby tissues initially and gradually their seedlings are carried to different parts/ organs of the body via lymph or blood causing invasion of the cancer to other tissues and organs. This stage is called metastasis. On the contrary, some cancer cells do not display uncontrolled growth, they are non-invasive and do not spread, such stage of cancer only forms benign tumors (Alberts, 2007). Cancer Proliferation Cancer is initiated in the cell, the basic unit of any living entity. Under normal conditions the cell follow the regular cell cycle but any chemical, physical or biological agent may trigger the conve rsion of proto-oncogene to oncogene, the active form of cancer causing gene which is responsible for the altered metabolism of the cell. The genetic basis of cancer has been revealed through numerous animal models. The human Genome Project aids in improving preclusion, analysis and management of cancer with better efficacy (Luo, 2008). Luo et al (2008) have identified essential genes in 12 cancer cell lines, they were exploited to find the presumed and established oncogenes such as KRAS, EGFR, MYC, MYB, BCR-ABL, CDK4 and CRKL that are vital for cancer cell proliferation and are found to be altered in the human cancers. Their findings postulate that tumoricidal agents trigger the expression of four genes PTPN1, NF1, SMARCB1, and SMARCE1. Moreover, five regulators are also activated in response to FAS activation, FAS, FADD, CASP8, ARID1A and CBX1. The information is beneficial for pursuing future cancer studies as well as for therapeutics. A comparative study between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells states that signal transduction namely Bmi1 and Wnt are shared by the normal as well as cancer stem cells for cellular proliferation. Perception and thorough understanding for cancer stem cells will certainly aid in recognition of the drug targets and cancer therapeutics (Lobo, 2007). Basis of cancer Any mutation may result in abnormal proliferation. However, mutations are generally insignificant and mutant cells are eradicated but accretion of mutation may occur in dividing cells resulting in cancer. Cancer causing mutation directly influence the cellular machinery including the genetic damage as well as signaling pathways and hence the entire cell division process is affected. As stem cells are pluripotent, long-lived as compared to their short lived descendant cells, they are vulnerable to the genotoxic elements causing oncogenic mutations (Pardal et al, 2003). Observations reveals that cancer tends to relapse after treatment. The genetic basis that has bee n postulated encompass the involvement of cancer stem cells. Research disclose that cancer stem cells play a pivotal role in cancer relapse as stem cells are not targeted by the conventional drugs and as these cancer stem cells are pluripotent they have potential to divide thereby generating tumor again. Much understanding of the cancer could be procured

Are UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) the Future of Our Military Essay

Are UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) the Future of Our Military - Essay Example onclusion might have been, the US Air Force has come out to close the debate once and for all by declaring that UAVs are the way to go in the future, through their Flight Plan 2009-2047 (USAF, 2009). The question that might come to the mind of the reader is â€Å"What are the factors that made the US Air Force turn completely from rejecting the UAVs as a viable technology in the 1970s to declaring them as a key to the future of this countrys defenses?† My own views on UAVs is that they definitely are the future of our military, and this discussion will give a technological overview on why I think so and why the Air Force has gone for it too. Also, it will discuss what aspects of the future might it take hold upon, clearly showing what UAVs are good for and what roles in aerial warfare will still be manned. The focus of our military is to have the best possible control on all aspects of warfare. The focus, then, is on technology. Technology and cost go side by side. Economic comparison of UAVs with manned aircraft is also done in the study to put everything into perspective. Following are some reasons for which UAVs are the future of our military in the light of technology and economy: Warfare is the name of knowing what your opponent might do next. Whoever knows that has a higher chance of winning the war than the ignorant party. UAVs provide the best technological solution for constant surveillance – even better than satellites. UAVs have flight times over days. Even if manned aerial vehicles has such endurance, the human can never stay in flight for so long. Thus, this gives UAVs an edge in their surveillance capability and ease of operation over manned systems. A plane can stay in flight over enemy territory only for as long as the enemy cannot shoot it down. The only way to prevent that is to be invisible to radar. The low speeds along with very high flight altitude of UAVs, makes them that (Pappalardo, 2010). Airframes can be designed to magnanimous

Midieval Literature Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Midieval Literature - Term Paper Example The given paper will discuss the sources for The Canterbury Tales, specifically The Clerk’s tale, and investigate the differences between the versions of the story provided by different authors. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer represents a great diversity of stories narrated by many people. This diversity brings to conclusion that the sources the author took for this literary creation are very different. Such conclusion in its turn makes us think of the causes Chaucers had for writing some of the stories met in The Canterbury Tales and his reasons for using definite sources. The most worth-researching connection is the bound between  the story called The Clerks Tale  and its source. The alterations made by the author of The Clerks Tale  to the tale of Griselda show Chaucers wish to make his own deep and profound investigation of the age-old problems connected with marriage by researching the way of thinking of a husband and a wife (Smith, 2008). The first source of the tale defined by Chaucer himself is the work of Petrarch. Some place in the tale seems to be exactly copied from the source. Chaucer not only reflects the thoughts of Petrarch but even uses his words in some sentences. However, Petrarch can’t be called the main source for The Canterbury Tales. There is another creation that played more important role. It is The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, mainly his story of Griselda that represents the main source for The Clerk’s Tale. Actually, Chaucer himself did not say any word about this source and this is not surprising – not only the clerk’s tale, but many other stories included in The Canterbury Tales have their origin in Boccaccios The Decameron. The similarity is so obvious that it can be even assumed that Chaucer communicated with Boccaccio, but preferred to conceal this fact (Smith, 2008). Two abovementioned creators are considered to be the sources used by Chaucer for The Clerks Tale. However, the