Negotiation Between Countries

I want to do that from three different fronts, namely; Cultural differences in communication The patterns of communication between the countries are different even though tooth countries communicates basically in English language as an accepted language of communication. Communication in this sense can be verbal or non-verbal. Non- verbal also Includes written communications. Nigeria has over 400 languages but English language Is the accepted lingua franca. The united States has other native languages but English Is still the accepted language of communication.Though I will communicate in English with my American business partners but I must also understand that the way the Americans write and pronounce some words is different from the way we write and pronounce our words in English language. The American counterparts for instance will write the word â€Å"favor as favor† but I will write the word â€Å"favor as favor† because Nigeria was colonized by the British, so we take our language after the British pattern of writing and communicating.Nigerian are exclusion minded in communication; we will tend to see how the conversation does not align with what we already know and would usually want the American counterpart to align with our own position of knowledge. The American partner will rather communicate based on an Inclusive mindedness; they will rather want to know how what I am saying makes sense. American look for the sense In the conversation, does the numbers tally, are the figures correct, so they have a broader view to the conversation.Also Most Nigerian communication style follow after the collectivists' culture; (Grove & Hallowed; 1994) â€Å"Collectivists convey negative feedback indirectly via an intermediary or by quiet withdrawal of a perquisite. Sometimes they omit saying anything that's negative. If you are managing employees in (or from) a collectivist culture, you might not find out what's going wrong in your operation until the proverbial eleventh hour; there's deep reluctance to upset group harmony by ailing you the bad news†.This means we would rather not say â€Å"no† to you openly even though we disagree, but we will rather let the conversation go on peaceably until we have another time to object to most of the Initial points of our conversation. My American partner would rather tell It the way It Is If It doesn't go down with them. (Grove & Hallowed; 1994) They pattern after the Individualist culture In conversations. Generally speaking, American culture communication style are usually Comfort talks, they are emotionally objective and practical in approach, their interactions are usually very direct and open.They don't hide any cards off the table, they play all the cards on the table. But when it comes to reactions, they react to issues analytically and they remain persistent in their analysis until otherwise convinced. These are the factors that influences how Americans communicate. Cu ltural differences in negotiation and conflict-resolution Let's think of a scenario of negotiation with our U. S. Partner for a presentation from an IT company overseas. The American makes his presentation very apt and technically done by expressing his overwhelming objective points and reasons why the product is best for my company in Nigeria. Well, we would say â€Å"the presentation is brilliant but I still do not trust this guy. He thinks objectively while I think subjectively, so our negotiations can either stall or proceed based on how we handle this cultural differences between our cultures. (Mimicked, 2010) To most Americans, difference is a threat, they will naturally tend to overlook similarities and take note of the difference when they first begin the negotiations. We Nigerian are looking for similarity with what we already know and experience, similarity makes us comfortable in the negotiation.During negotiations with Americans, you must understand that they hate silen ce, and they would often interrupt you at intervals during negotiations, while that is rude in my country, to interrupt someone while he is still talking, the Americans have that as a normal way of life. Cultural differences in problem-solving and decision-making In terms of problem solving, the American approaches it from a highly objective point of view, they would naturally first carry out a critical analysis of the problem and then cake decisions based on the facts on ground.While we Nigerian usually make decisions based on sentiments sometimes, we decide to enter a business agreement when we feel intuitively inclined to do so, there is mostly no objective reason except we feel convinced inside that this is a good buy so we make the money decision. I would first seek an understanding of the cultural differences that have been highlighted earlier. After which I will approach the negotiation objectively, knowing that is how my American partner thinks.I will also approach most of o ur negotiation room an individualist point of view while also letting my American friend understand the collectivist point of view. My approach would be to achieve a win-win situation. In my country I can afford to have a win-lose situation during negotiations but I understand that the American is highly objective and would not go by my sweet talks or by my expressing an overwhelming emotional conviction about the business I am trying to sell to him. So my thought pattern will naturally change from when negotiating with my fellow country man.The factors of negotiation and business allegations to consider in this case would be; Listening skills- I will need to be more active in listening so that I get the objective point the American is making rather than rely on my emotions to guide my decision making in the negotiation. People skills – I need to feel comfortable with our differences and not look hard for similarities between us before I connect with the American counterpart. BATAAN – I must establish what the Best Alternative To Negotiated Agreement is. This is vital to my than what I may have done otherwise. The BATAAN is what I can or might do if an agreement cannot be reached.This is my final position in case an agreement is difficult to reach. Have a Plan – I would consider having a plan ahead of the negotiation. My plan would likely include the following: (Yachted, D; ND) Trying to establish the negotiating style of the other party. This helps me think through how best to communicate and go through the process of negotiation and making educated guesses as I go along. What are my interests? This is gives me a perfect reason to answer the question of why? Before the negotiation. What is my real interest? What are the interests of the American Partner?I must understand where y American partner is coming from what are the shared interests we have and what are the opposing interests. Opposing interests is what I must negotiate. What do I have that I can trade that is of lesser value to me and of higher value to the American Partner? This helps me consider the options in the give and take phase of the negotiation. I must know beforehand what I can trade off at any time during the negotiation that is of a lesser value to me and of a higher value to my partner. What are three options I can implement to move the negotiation from compromising to joint problem solving?

Qualitative Interview on Traits of a Healthy Marriage

Chronister recalled knowing Mr. Rob was â€Å"the one† that night, and Mr. Rob admitted to feeling â€Å"inadequate†¦ ‘ didn't think I had a shot in hell with her. † He decided to pursue her anyway, and said they were inseparable from that night forward. After dating for six months, the couple moved in together and cohabitated for the next 12 years. During that time, they both pursued degrees, Mr. Rob in criminal law and Mrs. Chronister in Biology. Once Mrs. Chronister completed her degree in the summer of 1995, the couple decided to wed. ecause of how their bills nd property were titled, they decided that Mrs. Chronister would not take Mr. Rob's name after marriage. The couple has no children but consider their two dogs, Buster and Baxter, their children. Mr. Rob is an attorney, and Mrs. Chronister is a substance abuse counselor. When asked to identify the greatest strengths in their marriage, strength. Both feel they can go to each other with any issue, and said they have a high level of mutual respect for one another. When asked to describe conflict resolution within their marriage, Mrs.Chronister reported that while they are both strong-willed and highly opinionated individuals, they respect each other's opinions and points of view and strive to find a common ground. Mr. Rob said it's all about â€Å"negotiating. † When asked what role spirituality and faith played in the success of their marriage, Mrs. Chronister said while she is very spiritual, Mr. Rob is much more religious and attends church alone. Mrs. Chronister added that they both hold Christian values and believe you should be kind to everyone no matter what their past is.They agreed that they both strive to be good people and help others when they are in need. When asked to describe the nature of their relationship with their in-laws, they both reported that neither set of in-laws agreed with their cohabitation and that it caused tension on both sides. The couple s aid once their parents realized that they were being responsible, working adults and getting educations, they â€Å"eased up† and accepted their relationship. Mrs. Chronister said she is very close to Mr. Rob's father and was close with his mother before she passed away.Mr. Rob reported feeling close to Mrs. Chronister's parents as well. Concerning roles in the marriage and the challenges associated with those, the couple described Mr. Rob as the breadwinner but much more irresponsible with handling money. Mrs. Chronister handles all finances and pays the bills. Neither of them felt their roles created challenges; Mrs. Chronister said if something comes up where they have a major bill or a vacation to save for, Mr. Rob will give her the money to save and that he doesn't do anything irresponsible with their money.When asked about one of the biggest challenges they went through as a couple, they agreed it was Mrs. Chronister's prior addiction to methamphetamine. She reported be ing sober for 7 years and 5 months as of October 20th, 2013, but said she spiraled out of control during her active drug use. Mrs. Chronister was arrested for distributing and manufacturing methamphetamine, and served 2 h years in prison for the charges. Mr. Rob recalled Mrs. Chronister â€Å"disappearing for days weeks at a time, pawning our things†¦ she Just had no control and I felt so lost.I had no idea where my wife had gone. † Mrs. Chronister said Mr. Rob â€Å"ran around trying to save me, but he couldn't. It took me wanting to change and save myself. † She said he stood by her side through all of it, and visited her every opportunity he had while she was in prison. When asked to discuss their philosophy on marriage and what they considered to be the most important parts, Mrs. Chronister said friendship was the most important part. Mr. Rob agreed, and added that finding a common ground and compromising with each other was equally important.

Reinventing the Wheel at Ryan Door Company Essay

Reinventing the Wheel at Ryan Door Company - Essay Example on between the time rate of employees before the training and the time rate of the same employees after the training: with all other factors remaining the same. Should there be an improvement in the work rate; Ryan can be assured that there has been an improvement resulting from the training. The next type of outcome to use is the adherence to instructions. Employees often show since of refusal to stick to instructions if they are not conversant with the technicalities of the work assigned to them (The Guardian, 2012). Training has however been identified to solve such a problem. In this regard, the employees should gain more command over the technicalities of the designing work they do after the training program by adhering more to instructions. Once this is done, it will be a proof that employees now understand the instructions given out to them. Then again, the cost of production should be reduced drastically. If employees gain any improvement in their training process, they will come to understand the importance of value for money. For this reason, they will be mindful of the cost of production as the cost of production goes a long way to determine the output of gain that will be made at the end of each production (Koduah, 2001). There exist a number of evaluation designs that can be implemented by Ryan in assessing the impact of the training program instituted. But for a type of design that meets the current needs of the company, the outcome or impact evaluation design is the most preferred. This is because the aim of using an impact evaluation design is to assess the level of impact that any given program has had on its members (Koduah, 2001). Considering the present urgent need for change in place at the company, such an impact evaluation design will come with a lot of advantage for the company especially as the company is a profit making one and must have value for all its programs and initiatives such as the present training program. With the said impact

The Regina Manifesto Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Regina Manifesto - Essay Example The party was founded in 1932 by socialists, agrarian and labour groups who sought reprieve following the great depression that hit most of the world’s economies. Among the major groups that founded the party, include farmers’ organisations mainly the United Farmers of Alberta, academics from the League for Social Reconstruction and members of parliament allied to farmer and trade union organisations. The Regina manifesto is regarded as the founding document adopted by the cooperative commonwealth federation in 1933 during its initial national convention (Turner 320). The convention was held at Regina in Saskatchewan thus the name and the platform that is the Regina manifesto served as a stamp from the intellectuals who sought change. The document highlighted a new social order that would wipe out the existing capitalist system through economic planning, which would replace the profit motive of democratic control of natural resources and the means of production. It woul d also be achieved using political power to establish economic equality and social justice for all. The manifesto, in essence, aimed at eradicating the capitalist system and establishing a socialist economy. The manifesto laid down a wide variety of goals that it believed were necessary in alleviating the suffering on its citizens caused by the great depression at the time. The goals included public ownership of industries, universal pension and health care services, compensation for workers, unemployment insurance among others. As such, CCF became an alternative to the liberal and conservative parties by offering party policies and hope to Canadians who were struggling to cope with harsh economic times. The manifesto strongly condemned the capitalist system for what was termed as inherent injustice, inhumanity, chaotic waste, and economic instability. The capitalist system was also accused of domination with exploitation of one social class by another based on wealth. The replaceme nt of capitalism with a new social order through the Regina manifesto outlined how life of all Canadians would improve following the establishment of the national planning commission, which would be responsible for leading the socialisation of a variety of industries (â€Å"The Regina Manifesto...†). The document also aimed at acknowledging family farming as the basis of agricultural production and pledged financial support through social control of the financial system. Moreover, the CCF through their manifesto, proposed the establishment of a welfare system, which would ensure protection of industrial workers through collective bargaining and regulation of government wages. This would ensure a uniform code in the labour sector and thus equality. The welfare system would also establish an emergency program to cope with unemployment while coordinating an equitable taxation system throughout Canada. This would be facilitated by an instant review of the federal and provincial p rovenience of revenue. The manifesto also pledged the humanisation of the legal system, which would see the end of discrimination based on sex while according freedom of speech and assembly to all. In order to achieve the above, CCF established itself within the Canadian politics through the election of members to parliament and provincial legislature institutions. The popularity of the new party grew, as did its membership owing to the new lease of life through their policies. However, the CCF was divided following the outbreak of the Second World War due to the conflict between the uncompromising pacifists and supporters of Canada's entry into the war.

Critiquing Prior Decisions Made unit 2 Research Paper

Critiquing Prior Decisions Made unit 2 - Research Paper Example This plan has been successful considering that they are one of today’s most successful companies in the tech industry (â€Å"Apple Inc.,† 2011). Organizing. â€Å"Organizing is identifying jobs to be done, hiring people to do them, establishing departments, delegating or pushing authority down to subordinates, establishing a chain of command...and coordinating the work of subordinates† (Dessler & Phillips, 2008, p. 5). The overall management team of Apple was able to create an unparalleled talent base, which can help the company by having a sustainable future despite the absence of its former CEO Steve Jobs (Lam, 2011). Apple’s success in terms of its unique product design and functionality is evidence that the management team was able to hire the right people and use the right resources. Leading. Leading the company’s people and resources can be attained by creating a culture that is acceptable to all and a constant communication pattern (Dessler & Phillips, 2008, p. 5). Apple’s corporate culture is one of its competitive advantages because it incorporated the company’s success factors such as creativity, leadership, and innovation. This culture remained undefeated for a long time, and the company was known as a perfectionist in product design and reliability (Kurtzman, 2010, p. 116). This culture made them unique from their competitors, and they believed that they are the best tech firm in the industry and nothing can beat them. Also, Apple offered several incentives including the â€Å"recognition bonus of 3 to 5 percent of their base salary...[and the giving of] free iPod Shuffle or iPhone...† to motivate their employees (Muller, 2010, p. 4). Controlling. This function is necessary to determine whether the employees have reached the desired goals or necessary changes (Daniels, 1994). The performance of Apple employees is strictly monitored

Analytical Comparison and Contrast Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analytical Comparison and Contrast - Coursework Example The analysis of the artworks ‘The Blue Boy’( See appendix -1) by Thomas Gainsborough, and ‘Pinkie’( See Appendix -2), by Thomas Lawrence, is based on the following factors like the artists, assessment as a viewer, and other related facts in history or society, and strictly based on similarities and differences. One can easily identify a number of similarities between Thomas Gainsborough and Thomas Lawrence. The following are some important similarities. First of all, the first names of the artists (Thomas Gainsborough and Thomas Lawrence) are similar. Besides, both the artists made use of the same medium to express their creativity (say, oil and canvas). Both the artists were British citizens, who primarily focused on portrait painting. Within their lifetime, they were considered as noteworthy portrait painters in Europe. As pointed out, they made use of oil and canvas as their medium, which was most suitable for portrait painting. Both the artists transformed their personal interest (say, drawing/painting) into their career as painters. There exist a number of differences between Thomas Gainsborough and Thomas Lawrence. The following are some important differences. Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury. On the other side, Thomas Lawrence was born in Bristol. Thomas Gainsborough’s father was a weaver by profession, but Thomas Lawrence’s father was an innkeeper. Before becoming a landscape painter, Thomas Gainsborough was a landscape painter. James Ernest Thorpe states that â€Å"The Blue Boy was often thought of as Gainsborough’s greatest painting† (435). Later, he turned to portrait painting. But Thomas Lawrence was genuinely interested in portrait painting. Thomas Gainsborough completed the painting ‘The Blue Boy’ in the year 1770, but the portrait ‘Pinkie’ by Thomas Lawrence was completed in the year 1794.

Social networking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Social networking - Research Paper Example the introduction of social networking has changed internet technology to inclusive Internet users can come together in social media sites and sharing their hobbies, views, memories and religion. Many social networking sites require minimum efforts and security to join and almost every site are free. High level of personal information that is displayed in the social networking sites can result in identity theft. There is hardly any person who does not exercise any forms of social networking. The advancement of social networking changed the way of communication of people from silent spectator to effective spectator. This research paper will discuss about the issues of identity privacy on social media sites. The creation of popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Instagram has created a controversial issue which is identity privacy of individual. Some of the identity privacy issues are identity theft, data mining and stalking. Social media sites such as Facebook and twitter has provided a perfect platform for individuals to share their memories and views. Social networking sites have becomes inevitable part of every people by providing maximum global reach. The destination of global reach of people created the domination of social networking. It has brought power back to the people hands by the virtue of interaction of people with other individual can help to create social influence. The astronomical amount of information that is being shared in social media sites created privacy and security issues. Social networking has encouraged people to be more open to share their intimate details (Gershon 19). But this information which are being posted can cause pr ivacy issue like people might stole be aware of this information due to open nature of social networking sites. Social networking site such as Facebook has attracted the

Survey Design Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Survey Design - Assignment Example Please send back the filled questionnaire within two weeks of receipt. Thank you in advance. The target population for the study is employees and employers in the Department of Veterans Affairs who agree to participate in the study. The reason for the choice of the population are that the employers and employees are mostly affected by workplace conflicts and the ability of resolving workplace conflicts in an amicable manner is beneficial for the employers and employees for work efficiency and effectiveness The chosen sample will consist of 100 employers and employees in the Department of Veteran Affairs. The sample is divided into two strata consisting of 50 employers and 50 employees to ensure the data is collected within the available time and the conclusions are all encompassing in terms of the views and opinions of the employees and the employers. The benefits of the sample chosen include accessibility and allows for the limited time for the research to be enough for completion of the study in a comprehensive manner1. The sampling process to be used is probability random sampling ensuring the selection of an appropriate sample for the study2. Stratified sampling will be in the division of the sample to two strata consisting of employers and employees. The benefits of using stratified random sampling include equitable distribution of the population under study, ensures equitable representation of the two strata in the sample chosen for use in the study, and accounting for the differences in the groups used for the study. The order of the questions has an effect on the responses through providing context for preceding questions. In a survey, having closed-ended questions before open-ended questions result in mentioning of concepts mentioned in earlier close-ended questions in filling open-ended questions. Open-ended questions have order effects in terms of contrast and assimilation effects in questionnaires where

Project Evaluation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Project Evaluation - Assignment Example In other words, project evaluation offers a step-by-step procedure of recording, gathering and organizing data and information regarding project outcomes, comprising short-term results of tasks, or project deliverables, and instant and longer-term project results like transformations in behavior, processes or policy outcome from the project (GoogleDocs, 2011; Hughes & Cotterell, 2002; Government of Ontario, 2006). This report discusses some of the important aspects of the project evaluation and its application in technology-intensive enterprises. This report discusses the use and application of the project evaluation processes and various quantitative or qualitative approaches to project evaluation and selection. Usually, project assessment or evaluation is the last stage in the project lifecycle. In this stage analysis is done systematically at the fundamentals of accomplishments as well as failure in the project practice to discover how to plan more effectively for the future. The fundamental aim and objective of this study is to determine the actual value of a program or project as much as probable. In more simple words, project evaluation can be described as "a procedure that tries to find out as methodically as well as objectively as probable the significance, efficiency and influence of actions in the light of the fundamental aims and objectives†. It is, therefore an important examination of the accurate accomplishments and outcomes of a program, project or policy in comparison with the planned tasks, fundamental suppositions, and policy and resource assurance. In addition, it formulates an effort to evaluate impartially the following given main aspects: (Planning Commission, 201 1; Hughes & Cotterell, 2002; Government of Ontario, 2006) The significance and strength of the project aims and objectives and design of the project/program in scenario of wider problems of project development policy, project priorities as well as strategies with

Balloon Cars Essay Example for Free

Balloon Cars Essay Repulsorlifts as a Method of Stable Magnetic Levitation| Repulsorlifts were used in the study to find out if they can be used to replace the wheels of a conventional car. It was hypothesized that it will be able to lift a car using magnetic repulsion forces. The different magnets were tested individually with the usual tests for magnetic strength, size, and temperature increase, which were done in the preliminary testing. The prototype road and car were then constructed based on the specifications that had been identified after the preliminary testing. The prototype car’s magnets were permanent magnets while the road magnets were electromagnets. They had been oriented so that the magnets would repel each other.After the levitation tests, the proponents constructed other prototype roads and cars, based on the design which increased the chances for stability of the project. The repulsorlift setups were then tested for levitation. It was found that the repulsorlift was capable of lifting the car, yet its stability and lift would depend on two factors: the strength and the ratio of the strength of the car and road magnets, and the angles at which the car magnets are oriented. Therefore, repulsorlifts can be used as a method of levitation for cars once the lift would be sufficient to resist both gravity and the weights on the car.Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.Researchers Earl Angelo B. Panganiban Cebu City National Science High School Cost-Effective Free Fall Apparatus| Cost-Effective Free Fall Apparatus for Elementary and Secondary Students. Public Schools do not have sufficient funds for the purchase of a Free-Fall Apparatus, which is used to measure the time for a falling object to hit the switch pad from a certain point. A cost-effective Free-Fall Apparatus was constructed with the aid of recycled materials to serve as a cheaper alternative for this device. This study was intended for the improvement of the original equipment in terms of materials used, structural design,  function and price. The main structure was built with the use of excess planks of wood. The electromagnet, powered by three volt-battery was assembled. Wires were tapped into the stopwatch and were connected to the electromagnet. The Power Supply Box was connected to the Synchro Box to allow relay function.The electromagnet was finally affixed to the device through the use of a large paper clip. A tape measure was fastened to the equipment. The switch pad was affixed through the use of a lever and magnet. The apparatus was tested for several times until it functioned accurately. The innovation proved to be very efficient. It showed the same function as the original one although the initial design was altered. Special features include the machine’s flexibility and added parts such as the lever. This apparatus can really be used by various public schools throughout the country because of its effectiveness and affordability.Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser. Para-Toluenesulfonate Doped Polypyrolle as EMF Electrode Source| A conducting polymer was synthesized from polypyrolle doped with paratoluenesulfonate (p-TS) using electrochemical deposition technique to find a substitute for metal electrodes in EMF sources. Samples were produced with varying p-TS molarity, specifically 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 M. Initial characterization of samples was done using Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) for surface analysis, and the Energy Dispersive X-ray system (EDX) for elemental analysis. Surface analysis of thin sheets was observed to be fibrillar, while thick samples had globular surface. Traces of Nitrogen, Carbon, Oxygen and Sulfur in decreasing order of concentration, were detected in the EDX system, showing potential as conducting material.To determine potential as EMF source, samples were subjected to Van der Pauw Measurement. Conductivity was found to be within 20 to 200 siemens, resulting in a computed resistivity of 0.05 to 0.005 ohms. These values are  comparable to those of certain conductors such as copper. When used in a chemical cell with copper and zinc sulfate solution, the EMF produced was between 1 to 1.5 volts. This showed that the p-TS-doped polypyrolle is a good conductor and could be a possible electrode of a battery. Thermal analysis yielded a peak of endothermic reaction at 350 ºCelsius. Degradation point was at 770 degrees celsius. The sodium para-toluenesulfonate-doped polypyrolle opens the prospect of creating lightweight batteries, since they are approximately 80% lighter than common metal electrodes used in EMF sources. This progress signals a breakthrough in plastic electronics.Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser. Elastomeric Grating for Wavelength Switching in Optical Communication Systems. A diffraction grating was fabricated from an elastic polymer. It was patterned after a plane reflection grating with a pitch of 1,200 lines/mm. It was characterized using HeNe laser to verify grating properties. Angular scanning as a function of applied strain was observed for two individual wavelengths. Intensity of the fiber output was optimized as an application of angular scanning in fine alignment. Beam profiles showed consistency of first order diffraction intensities at different levels of strain. This showed that the elastomeric grating’s efficiency is independent of strain. The elastomeric grating’s variable pitch can be of immense utility in optical communication systems.A stretchable grating can be used to replace typical high-cost architectures of metal or glass gratings of different pitches that correspond to various spectral regions. By changing the pitch, the grating can be used for different ranges of wavelength. The elastomeric grating’s variable pitch can be used to scan different wavelengths over a wide selection since elastomeric grating diffracts different wavelength division multiplexing in optical communication systems. Laser beams of different wavelengths carrying different signals can be transmitted simultaneously through an optical fiber and diffracted to route the wavelengths onto separate wavelength-specific channels.Further clarification of the procedures and results should be  directed to the researchers and adviser.

Production and operations management

Production and operations management Production and Operations Management (POM) is about the transformation of production and operational inputs into outputs that, when distributed, meet the needs of customers. The process in the above diagram is often referred to as the Conversion Process. There are several different methods of handling the conversion or production process Job, Batch, Flow and Group POM incorporates many tasks that are interdependent, but which can be grouped under five main headings: PRODUCT Marketers in a business must ensure that a business sells products that meet customer needs and wants. The role of Production and Operations is to ensure that the business actually makes the required products in accordance with the plan. The role of PRODUCT in POM therefore concerns areas such as: Performance Aesthetics Quality Reliability Quantity Production costs Delivery dates PLANT To make PRODUCT, PLANT of some kind is needed. This will comprise the bulk of the fixed assets of the business. In determining which PLANT to use, management must consider areas such as: Future demand (volume, timing) Design and layout of factory, equipment, offices Productivity and reliability of equipment Need for (and costs of) maintenance Heath and safety (particularly the operation of equipment) Environmental issues (e.g. creation of waste products) PROCESSES There are many different ways of producing a product. Management must choose the best process, or series of processes. They will consider: Available capacity Available skills Type of production Layout of plant and equipment Safety Production costs Maintenance requirements PROGRAMMES The production PROGRAMME concerns the dates and times of the products that are to be produced and supplied to customers. The decisions made about programme will be influenced by factors such as: Purchasing patterns (e.g. lead time) Cash flow Need for / availability of storage Transportation PEOPLE Production depends on PEOPLE, whose skills, experience and motivation vary. Key people-related decisions will consider the following areas: Wages and salaries Safety and training Work conditions Leadership and motivation Unionisation Communication ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ production types of production method Definition In our introduction to production and operations management (POM) we suggested that there are several different methods of handling the conversion or production process Job, Batch, Flow and Group. This revision note explains these methods in more detail. Introduction The various methods of production are not associated with a particular volume of production. Similarly, several methods may be used at different stages of the overall production process. Job Method With Job production, the complete task is handled by a single worker or group of workers. Jobs can be small-scale/low technology as well as complex/high technology. Low technology jobs: here the organisation of production is extremely simply, with the required skills and equipment easily obtainable. This method enables customers specific requirements to be included, often as the job progresses. Examples include: hairdressers; tailoring High technology jobs: high technology jobs involve much greater complexity and therefore present greater management challenge. The important ingredient in high-technology job production is project management, or project control. The essential features of good project control for a job are: Clear definitions of objectives how should the job progress (milestones, dates, stages) Decision-making process how are decisions taking about the needs of each process in the job, labour and other resources Examples of high technology / complex jobs: film production; large construction projects (e.g. the Millennium Dome) Batch Method As businesses grow and production volumes increase, it is not unusual to see the production process organised so that Batch methods can be used. Batch methods require that the work for any task is divided into parts or operations. Each operation is completed through the whole batch before the next operation is performed. By using the batch method, it is possible to achieve specialisation of labour. Capital expenditure can also be kept lower although careful planning is required to ensure that production equipment is not idle. The main aims of the batch method are, therefore, to: Concentrate skills (specialisation) Achieve high equipment utilisation This technique is probably the most commonly used method for organising manufacture. A good example is the production of electronic instruments. Batch methods are not without their problems. There is a high probability of poor work flow, particularly if the batches are not of the optimal size or if there is a significant difference in productivity by each operation in the process. Batch methods often result in the build up of significant work in progress or stocks (i.e. completed batches waiting for their turn to be worked on in the next operation). Flow Methods Flow methods are similar to batch methods except that the problem of rest/idle production/batch queuing is eliminated. Flow has been defined as a method of production organisation where the task is worked on continuously or where the processing of material is continuous and progressive, The aims of flow methods are: Improved work material flow Reduced need for labour skills Added value / completed work faster Flow methods mean that as work on a task at a particular stage is complete, it must be passed directly to the next stage for processing without waiting for the remaining tasks in the batch. When it arrives at the next stage, work must start immediately on the next process. In order for the flow to be smooth, the times that each task requires on each stage must be of equal length and there should be no movement off the flow production line. In theory, therefore, any fault or error at a particular stage In order that flow methods can work well, several requirements must be met: (1) There must be substantially constant demand If demand is unpredictable or irregular, then the flow production line can lead to a substantial build up of stocks and possibility storage difficulties. Many businesses using flow methods get round this problem by building for stock i.e. keeping the flow line working during quiet periods of demand so that output can be produced efficiently. (2) The product and/or production tasks must be standardised Flow methods are inflexible they cannot deal effectively with variations in the product (although some variety can be accomplished through applying different finishes, decorations etc at the end of the production line). (3) Materials used in production must be to specification and delivered on time Since the flow production line is working continuously, it is not a good idea to use materials that vary in style, form or quality. Similarly, if the required materials are not available, then the whole production line will come to a close with potentially serious cost consequences. (4) Each operation in the production flow must be carefully defined and recorded in detail (5) The output from each stage of the flow must conform to quality standards Since the output from each stage moves forward continuously, there is no room for sub-standard output to be re-worked (compare this with job or batch production where it is possible to compensate for a lack of quality by doing some extra work on the job or the batch before it is completed). The achievement of a successful production flow line requires considerable planning, particularly in ensuring that the correct production materials are delivered on time and that operations in the flow are of equal duration. Common examples where flow methods are used are the manufacture of motor cars, chocolates and televisions. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ capacity management the meaning of capacity Introduction The capacity of a production unit (e.g. machine, factory) is its ability to produce or do that which the customer requires. In production and operations management, three types of capacity are often referred to: Potential Capacity The capacity that can be made available to influence the planning of senior management (e.g. in helping them to make decisions about overall business growth, investment etc). This is essentially a long-term decision that does not influence day-to-day production management Immediate Capacity The amount of production capacity that can be made available in the short-term. This is the maximum potential capacity assuming that it is used productively Effective Capacity An important concept. Not all productive capacity is actually used or usable. It is important for production managers to understand what capacity is actually achievable. Measuring capacity Capacity, being the ability to produce work in a given time, must be measured in the unit of work. For example, consider a factory that has a capacity of 10,000 machine hours in each 40 hour week. This factory should be capable of producing 10,000 standard hours of work during a 40-hour week. The actual volume of product that the factory can produce will depend on: the amount of work involved in production (e.g. does a product require 1, 5, 10 standard hours? any additional time required in production (e.g. machine set-up, maintenance) the productivity or effectiveness of the factory Constraints on capacity In capacity management there are usually two potential constraints TIME and CAPACITY Time may be a constraint where a customer has a particular required delivery date. In this situation, capacity managers often plan backwards. In other words, they allocate the final stage (operation) of the production tasks to the period where delivery is required; the penultimate task one period earlier and so on. This process helps identify whether there is sufficient time to meet the production demands and whether capacity needs to be increased, albeit temporarily. Production Scheduling A schedule is a representation of the time necessary to carry out a particular task. A job schedule shows the plan for the manufacture of a particular job. It is created through work / study reviews which determine the method and times required. Most businesses carry out several production tasks at one time which entails amalgamating several job schedules. This process is called scheduling. The result is known as the production schedule or factory schedule for the factory/plant as a whole. In preparing a production schedule, attention needs to be paid to: Delivery dates (when are finished products due?) Job schedules for each relevant production task Capacities of production sections or departments involved Efficiency of these production sections or departments Planned holidays Anticipated sickness / absenteeism / training Availability of raw materials, components and packaging There are two key problems with production scheduling: (1) Measurement of performance (e.g. should financial performance be most important (e.g. minimise the amount of stock), or are marketing objectives more important e.g. always produce enough to meet customer demand). (2) The large number of possible schedules often caused by too much complexity or variety in the production needs of the business. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ introduction to break-even analysis Introduction Break-even analysis is a technique widely used by production management and management accountants. It is based on categorising production costs between those which are variable (costs that change when the production output changes) and those that are fixed (costs not directly related to the volume of production). Total variable and fixed costs are compared with sales revenue in order to determine the level of sales volume, sales value or production at which the business makes neither a profit nor a loss (the break-even point). The Break-Even Chart In its simplest form, the break-even chart is a graphical representation of costs at various levels of activity shown on the same chart as the variation of income (or sales, revenue) with the same variation in activity. The point at which neither profit nor loss is made is known as the break-even point and is represented on the chart below by the intersection of the two lines: In the diagram above, the line OA represents the variation of income at varying levels of production activity (output). OB represents the total fixed costs in the business. As output increases, variable costs are incurred, meaning that total costs (fixed + variable) also increase. At low levels of output, Costs are greater than Income. At the point of intersection, P, costs are exactly equal to income, and hence neither profit nor loss is made. Fixed Costs Fixed costs are those business costs that are not directly related to the level of production or output. In other words, even if the business has a zero output or high output, the level of fixed costs will remain broadly the same. In the long term fixed costs can alter perhaps as a result of investment in production capacity (e.g. adding a new factory unit) or through the growth in overheads required to support a larger, more complex business. Examples of fixed costs: Rent and rates Depreciation Research and development Marketing costs (non- revenue related) Administration costs Variable Costs Variable costs are those costs which vary directly with the level of output. They represent payment output-related inputs such as raw materials, direct labour, fuel and revenue-related costs such as commission. A distinction is often made between Direct variable costs and Indirect variable costs. Direct variable costs are those which can be directly attributable to the production of a particular product or service and allocated to a particular cost centre. Raw materials and the wages those working on the production line are good examples. Indirect variable costs cannot be directly attributable to production but they do vary with output. These include depreciation (where it is calculated related to output e.g. machine hours), maintenance and certain labour costs. Semi-Variable Costs Whilst the distinction between fixed and variable costs is a convenient way of categorising business costs, in reality there are some costs which are fixed in nature but which increase when output reaches certain levels. These are largely related to the overall scale and/or complexity of the business. For example, when a business has relatively low levels of output or sales, it may not require costs associated with functions such as human resource management or a fully-resourced finance department. However, as the scale of the business grows (e.g. output, number people employed, number and complexity of transactions) then more resources are required. If production rises suddenly then some short-term increase in warehousing and/or transport may be required. In these circumstances, we say that part of the cost is variable and part fixed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ quality management introduction One of the most important issues that businesses have focused on in the last 20-30 years has been quality. As markets have become much more competitive quality has become widely regarded as a key ingredient for success in business. In this revision note, we introduce what is meant by quality by focusing on the key terms you will come up against. What is quality? You will comes across several terms that all seem to relate to the concept of quality. It can be quite confusing working out what the difference is between them. Weve defined the key terms that you need to know below: Term Description Quality Quality is first and foremost about meeting the needs and expectations of customers. It is important to understand that quality is about more than a product simply working properly. Think about your needs and expectations as a customer when you buy a product or service. These may include performance, appearance, availability, delivery, reliability, maintainability, cost effectiveness and price. Think of quality as representing all the features of a product or service that affect its ability to meet customer needs. If the product or service meets all those needs then it passes the quality test. If it doesnt, then it is sub-standard. Quality management Producing products of the required quality does not happen by accident. There has to be a production process which is properly managed. Ensuring satisfactory quality is a vital part of the production process. Quality management is concerned with controlling activities with the aim of ensuring that products and services are fit for their purpose and meet the specifications. There are two main parts to quality management (1) Quality assurance (2) Quality control Quality assurance Quality assurance is about how a business can design the way a product of service is produced or delivered to minimise the chances that output will be sub-standard. The focus of quality assurance is, therefore on the product design/development stage. Why focus on these stages? The idea is that if the processes and procedures used to produce a product or service are tightly controlled then quality will be built-in. This will make the production process much more reliable, so there will be less need to inspect production output (quality control). Quality assurance involves developing close relationships with customers and suppliers. A business will want to make sure that the suppliers to its production process understand exactly what is required and deliver! Quality control Quality control is the traditional way of managing quality. A further revision note (see the list on the right) deals with this in more detail. Quality control is concerned with checking and reviewing work that has been done. For example, this would include lots of inspection, testing and sampling. Quality control is mainly about detecting defective output rather than preventing it. Quality control can also be a very expensive process. Hence, in recent years, businesses have focused on quality management and quality assurance. Total quality management Total quality management (usually shortened to TQM) is a modern form of quality management. In essence, it is about a kind of business philosophy which emphasises the need for all parts of a business to continuously look for ways to improve quality. We cover this important concept in further revision notes. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ quality control Quality control is the more traditional way that businesses have used to manage quality. Quality control is concerned with checking and reviewing work that has been done. But is this the best way for a business to manage quality? Under traditional quality control, inspection of products and services (checking to make sure that whats being produced is meeting the required standard) takes place during and at the end of the operations process. There are three main points during the production process when inspection is performed: 1 When raw materials are received prior to entering production 2 Whilst products are going through the production process 3 When products are finished inspection or testing takes place before products are despatched to customers The problem with this sort of inspection is that it doesnt work very well! There are several problems with inspection under traditional quality control: 1 The inspection process does not add any value. If there were any guarantees that no defective output would be produced, then there would be no need for an inspection process in the first place! 2 Inspection is costly, in terms of both tangible and intangible costs. For example, materials, labour, time, employee morale, customer goodwill, lost sales 3 It is sometimes done too late in the production process. This often results in defective or non-acceptable goods actually being received by the customer 4 It is usually done by the wrong people e.g. by a separate quality control inspection team rather than by the workers themselves 5 Inspection is often not compatible with more modern production techniques (e.g. Just in Time Manufacturing) which do not allow time for much (if any) inspection. 6 Working capital is tied up in stocks which cannot be sold 7 There is often disagreement as to what constitutes a quality product. For example, to meet quotas, inspectors may approve goods that dont meet 100% conformance, giving the message to workers that it doesnt matter if their work is a bit sloppy. Or one quality control inspector may follow different procedures from another, or use different measurements. As a result of the above problems, many businesses have focused their efforts on improving quality by implementing quality management techniques which emphasise the role of quality assurance. As Deming (a quality guru) wrote: Inspection with the aim of finding the bad ones and throwing them out is too late, ineffective, costly. Quality comes not from inspection but from improvement of the process. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ total quality management tqm Total quality management is a popular quality management concept. However, it is about much more than just assuring product or service quality. TQM is a business philosophy a way of doing business. It describes ways to managing people and business processes to ensure complete customer satisfaction at every stage. TQM is often associated with the phrase doing the right things right, first time. This revision note summarises the main features of TQM. Like most quality management concepts, TQM views quality entirely from the point of view of the customer. All businesses have many types of customer. A customer can be someone internal to the business (e.g. a production employee working at the end of the production line is the customer of the employees involved earlier in the production process). A customer can also be external to the business. This is the kind of customer you will be familiar with. When you fly with an airline you are their customer. When Tescos buys products from food manufacturers, it is a customer. TQM recognises that all businesses require processes that enable customer requirements to be met. TQM focuses on the ways in which these processes can be managed with two key objectives: 1 100% customer satisfaction 2 Zero defects The Importance of Customer Supplier Relationships Quality Chains TQM focuses strongly on the importance of the relationship between customers (internal and external) and supplier. These are known as the quality chains and they can be broken at any point by one person or one piece of equipment not meeting the requirements of the customer. Failure to meet the requirements in any part of a quality chain has a way of multiplying, and failure in one part of the system creates problems elsewhere, leading to yet more failure and problems, and so the situation is exacerbated. The ability to meet customers (external and internal) requirements is vital. To achieve quality throughout a business, every person in the quality chain must be trained to ask the following questions about every customer-supplier chain: Customers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Who are my customers? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ What are their real needs and expectations? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ How can I measure my ability to meet their needs and expectations? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Do I have the capability to meet their needs and expectations? (If not, what must I do to improve this capability?) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Do I continually meet their needs and expectations? (If not, what prevents this from happening when the capability exists?) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ How do I monitor changes in their needs and expectations? Suppliers: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Who are my internal suppliers? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ What are my true needs and expectations? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ How do I communicate my needs and expectations to my suppliers? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Do my suppliers have the capability to measure and meet these needs and expectations? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ How do I inform them of changes in my needs and expectations? Main Principles of TQM The main principles that underlie TQM are summarised below: Prevention Prevention is better than cure. In the long run, it is cheaper to stop products defects than trying to find them Zero defects The ultimate aim is no (zero) defects or exceptionally low defect levels if a product or service is complicated Getting things right first time Better not to produce at all than produce something defective Quality involves everyone Quality is not just the concern of the production or operations department it involves everyone, including marketing, finance and human resources Continuous improvement Businesses should always be looking for ways to improve processes to help quality Employee involvement Those involved in production and operations have a vital role to play in spotting improvement opportunities for quality and in identifying quality problems Introducing TQM into a Business TQM is not an easy concept to introduce into businesses particularly those that have not traditionally concerned themselved too much with understanding customer needs and business processes. In fact many attempts to introduce TQM fail! One of the reasons for the challenge of introducing TQM is that it has significant implications for the whole business. For example, it requires that management give employees a say in the production processes that they are involved in. In a culture of continuous improvement, workforce views are invaluable. The problem is many businesses have barriers to involvement. For example, middle managers may feel that their authority is being challenged. So empowerment is a crucial part of TQM. The key to success is to identify the management culture before attempting to install TQM and to take steps to change towards the management style required for it. Since culture is not the first thing that managers think about, this step has often been missed or ignored with resultant failure of a TQM strategy. TQM also focuses the business on the activities of the business that are closest to the customer e.g. the production department, the employees facing the customer. This can cause resentment amongst departments that previously considered themselves above the shop floor. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Metropolis Symphony Essay -- Music Musical Musician Papers

The Development of the Programmatic Symphony from the 19th Century into the 21st Century Since the early symphonies of Sammartini and Stamitz the orchestral symphony has underwent constant development. In the early nineteenth century Beethoven started a new form of the symphony when he composed a symphony based on programmatic music. The programmatic symphony is a composition that is written with non-musical influences. "Program music is instrumental music which tells a story illustrates literary ideas, or evokes pictorial scenes. Though the term originated with Listz, illustrative music has existed for as long as music itself."(Kennedy p. 579) The form is more like a multi-movement tone poem that tells a story though music. The symphonies of Haydn, and Mozart were pieces written with music that was not influenced by non-musical ideas. Other symphonies that have been written that are programmatic are Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz, Symphony no. 3 "Pastoral" by Vaughan Williams, and Metropolis Symphony by Michael Daugherty. This paper will show the similarities and differences between the programmatic symphonies of Beethoven, Berlioz, and Daugherty. Ludwig Van Beethoven 1770-1827 The first major programmatic symphony was written by Ludwig Van Beethoven in 1807-08. Although it was not completed until 1808 there are sketches for the symphony that go as far back as 1803. This was his sixth symphony and it was in F major. The first performance of the symphony was on December 22, 1808 which was the same premier of his fifth symphony. This symphony has five movements. The instrumentation for the symphony includes two flutes and piccolo, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two ... ...also has expanded the size of the wind section of the orchestra with several more instruments. While Beethoven and Berlioz composed their symphonies as complete works Daugherty allows conductors to perform movements separately if they desire. This makes each movement more like a tone poem than a full symphony. It is easy to see though by the Dies Irae in the fifth movement and the storm like atmosphere of the fourth movement how Daugherty was influenced by these two composers who came over one hundred years before him. In conclusion, the programmatic symphony has been used to create some of the greatest works of musical literature in the past two hundred years. In the next century composers will probably follow in these composers’ footsteps and expand the size of the orchestra to create new timbres and tell stories through tone painting in symphonies.

Monroe Doctrine Editorial :: essays research papers

Monroe Doctrine: For Good or for Bad? The interests of our own Latin America is clearly different from those of that of the United States – but ever since the Monroe Doctrine has been declared, it seemed as if relations between the US and the nations of Latin America stabilized on a friendly note. But we need not feel easy and let our guard down at all, for this issue has had major questionings in the past years already. Is the United States really attempting to protect our nations from any threat of reconquest from outer nations? Or is the US only using the Monroe Doctrine to dominate the Western Hemisphere? I strongly agree with our nations’ government views about this issue: that the United States is only using this as a step forward in monopolizing power around the Western Hemisphere. It might be true that they are defending our nations from European conquest and such, but we are also independent and should be allowed to govern ourselves without any higher power that makes every decision for us, even if sometimes it’s not even in the general interest of the masses within nations of Latin America. But then again, the US might be actually intending to just defend us, since as we are part of its land and territory. Our region is that of a concentrated power with one major rule, just as a Spanish official made this prediction about the United States in 1783: â€Å"We have just recognized a new power in a great region where there exists no other to challenge its growth. †¦ The day will come when it grows and becomes a giant and even a colossus in those regions. Within a few years we will regard the existence of this colossus with real sorrow.† And now, as it clearly is seen, the United States is the existing â€Å"Colossus of the North†, even though it wasn’t able to carry out the Monroe Doctrine by itself in the beginning, and with the help of the British navy, it was duly carried on.

The Aeneid of Greece by Virgil The Aeneid

The Aeneid of Greece by Virgil The Aeneid, tells the story of Aeneas's journey in search of the land where he is destined to build the city that will one day become the great Roman Empire. Largely influenced by Homer's Odyssey and Iliad, the Aeneid begins halfway through Aeneas's journey, as he nears the city of Carthage, ruled over by Dido, who built the city after fleeing from her murderous brother. King Arthur of Britain, by Howard PyleThe character of King Arthur is larger than life.He is rarely presented as truly human; he is either the idealized symbol of Camelot and the virtues of the Round Table, or he is a peripheral character sometimes virtuous but rarely with a penetrating intelligence capable of seeing long-term effects and making sound decisions. Whether a historical Arthur actually existed, what we are left with today is a mythological character, memorable and tantalizing in his virtues and foibles. Beowulf was written in England, but is set in Scandinavia. The author i s unknown.This epic poem describes the hero Beowulf marching with his fourteen warriors and arrive at the place of Heorot where he finds that he king of Heorot Hrothgar terrified by a monster called Grendel. Beowulf manages to kill Grendel and his monster-mother at his abode beneath a lake. After that he returns to his country and becomes the king there and rules his kingdom for fifty years. He dies of the wounds he got once during the combat fought with a dragon. Gilgamesh Is the Priest-King of the city of Uruk.He is a tyrannical king who works his people to death and takes what he wants from them. He kills the young men at will and uses the women as he pleases. The people of Uruk cry out to the gods for help so that they can have peace. | Ramayana – is the immortal tale of Shri Rama that teaches us the values of ideology, devotion, duty, relationships, dharma and karma. Biag ni Lam-ang (Tagalog: â€Å"Buhay ni Lam-ang†) ay isang epikong tula ng mga Ilokano mula sa re hiyon ng Ilokos sa Pilipinas.Sinalaysay at sinulat sa orihinal na wikang Ilokano, pinapaniwalaang na pinaghalong gawa ito ng iba't ibang mga lumilikha ng tula na pinasa sa pamamagitan ng mga salinlahi, at unang sinulat noong 1640 ng isang bulag na manunula na si Pedro Bucaneg. Ibalon – Author Fr. Jose Castano May tatlong mga bayani sa epiking ito: Baltog, Handyong, at Bantong. Unang bayaning dumating sa lupang ibalong ay si Baltog at sya ang nagpayaman ng bukid.Ang pangalawang bayani na dumating sa ibalon ay si Handyong, nakipaglaban siya kasama ng kanyang mga tao sa libu-libong mga giyera at digma. At si bantong ang namuno sa pag patay sa kalahating tao, at kalahating halimaw na c Rabot. | Analysis: The difference between western and eastern epic, the eastern epic involves the story about Indians and Philippines but in western epic they start from the medieval ages and it involve the story about the gods and the goddess.

Dialectical Pluralism on Metaphysical Philosophy

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy responsible for the study of existence. It is the foundation of a worldview. Metaphysical Philosophy is marked out by two types of inquiry. The first aims to be the most general investigation possible into the nature of reality: are there principles applying to everything that is real, to all that is? – if we abstract from the particular nature of existing things that which distinguishes them from each other, what can we know about them merely in virtue of the fact that they exist?The second type of inquiry seeks to uncover what is ultimately real, frequently offering answers in sharp contrast to our everyday experience of the world. The two questions are not the same, since someone quite unworried by the possibility that the world might really be otherwise than it appears might still be engaged by the question of whether there were any general truths applicable to all existing things. But although different, the questions are related: o ne might well expect a philosopher’s answer to the first to provide at least the underpinnings of their answer to the second.Aristotle proposed the first of these investigations. He called it ‘first philosophy’, sometimes also ‘the science of being’ (more-or-less what ‘ontology’ means); but at some point in antiquity his writings on the topic came to be known as the ‘metaphysics’ – from the Greek for ‘after natural things’, that is, what comes after the study of nature. This is as much as we know of the origin of the word. Metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy. Without an explanation or an interpretation of the world around us, we would be helpless to deal with reality.We could not feed ourselves, or act to preserve our lives. The degree to which our metaphysical worldview is correct is the degree to which we are able to comprehend the world, and act accordingly. Without this firm foundation, all kn owledge becomes suspect. Any flaw in our view of reality will make it more difficult to live. Dialectical Pluralism, in philosophy, theory that considers the universe explicable in terms of many principles or composed of many ultimate substances.It describes no particular system and may be embodied in such opposed philosophical concepts as materialism and idealism. Empedocles, G. W. von Leibniz, William James, and Bertrand Russel are among the philosophers generally considered as pluralistic. Pluralism is opposed to monism and dualism. A complex situation involves a plurality of ontological kinds, and so invites the name â€Å"pluralism†. If some form of pluralism is true, then none of the standard â€Å"isms† stands a chance of coming to grips with the actual relationship between mind and physical world.The orthodox mind-body debate, attempting to force a complex situation into simple moulds, would be forever doomed to failure. The four assumptions dictate a certain l imited range of basic options, and eventually every option in that range would have been tried; stagnation and regressive oscillation would then be the natural result. In the long run, participants would have no choice but to embrace anomaly or admit defeat. Dogged insistence on working within the orthodox framework would result in little but baroque encrustations of irrelevant detail.In short, if pluralism were true, we would expect to see exactly the kinds of problems that have in fact been afflicting the mind-body debate. This constitutes a prima facie case for rejecting the four assumptions and embracing a pluralist orientation. Pluralism is perfectly consistent with a hard-nosed realism which divorces the question of what kinds of mental entities in fact exist from the question of how we talk about people and what concepts we may have.A realist pluralism of this kind does not try to read ontological commitments directly off our current language or concepts. It is perfectly will ing to allow that folk discourses and folk concepts are inadequate to the ontological structure of mental reality. Distinctions built into ordinary ways of talking need not reflect deep ontological distinctions, and there may be ontological differences among kinds of mental entities to which folk talk is entirely oblivious.

Delivering Bad News

| Delivering Bad News: Helping your patients retain dire details| Modern Medicine Oct 1, 2009| | The purpose: This article focuses on providing healthcare professionals with suggestions that will help their patients remember important information immediately after receiving bad news. Although nurses usually don’t deliver the bad news, they are often in the room when it is given and are often the person that has to give the patient instructions immediately afterward. Research supports the fact that patients might not hear much of the nurse or physician tells them at this time, therefore they retain very little of the valuable information. Patients with poor prognoses are especially at risk and retain even less than patient with fair to good prognoses. This research also revealed that the more information given to the patient the less they retained. Information data: The first suggestion that will help patients retain information in the event of bad news is to prepare the patient ahead of time for how they will hear the results. Ask them to bring a spouse, supportive friend or a tape recorder. The second suggestion is to have a face to face conversation with the patient. This will enable you to watch the patient’s body language. Nonverbal language plays a big role in the assessment of a patient’s well being of state of mind at the time. This meeting should be during a reserved time period, so that you or the patient doesn’t feel rushed. A third suggestion is to decide on a few key points to make and stick with presenting these few only. Giving a patient too much information will result in them retaining even less. The fourth suggestion is start with the prognosis, not the diagnosis. Say something like â€Å"you have a condition that is very treatable with medication. If it is a grim diagnosis start with empathy and then convey the commitment to the patient. State â€Å"we’re here to talk about what the test showed and I want you to know that I am committed to working with you closely throughout the course of your treatment. † The fifth suggestion is use simple language so that the patient can understand what is being explained to them. Many times Dr will use many words that the p atient’s just don’t understand. It is important to remember that everyday language in the hospital or Dr Office setting may not be so in the everyday setting for the patient. Explaining valuable information in a language that patients can understand is important in helping them retain the information. The sixth suggestion is to use a â€Å"teach back† or â€Å"chunking and checking† teaching strategy. This method gives the patient a small piece of information and asks them to explain it back in their own words. One good way to do this is have them explain to you how they are going to relay the information just give to their spouse or another family member not present at the meeting. Another way would be for them to show you how they are going to teach others about their treatment plan. The seventh suggestion is to use handouts in simple language as supplements to verbal teaching. These work well as references that can be referenced at a later time. The eighth suggestion is to give the patient resources to help them with further coping. Resources such as websites, support groups or social workers can be very helpful in promoting coping. The ninth and finial suggestion is to set up follow up visits to assess how the patient is feeling as well as answer any additional questions the patient may have. This is very important in order make the patient feel as if they are not alone in dealing with this issue and that you are committed to working closely with the patient throughout the prescribed treatment. Conclusions reached by author: Today healthcare providers are doing better at communicating information, but there are still areas to improve. These nine suggestions have contributed to the improvements and will continue to impact the way healthcare professionals communicate. In the authors opinion the most important thing is being honest and open. As nurses it is important to take the time to get to know the individual and appreciate the journey with the patient. Critique This article was very easy to read and had a good flow with the presentation of the information. I was able to read the article easily and did not have to stop to clarify much of the information. I liked that the author summarized the suggestions in a numbered list at the end of the article. This made it easier to present each suggestion in my summary. The article seemed to be more directed at Physicians, however I think the suggestions could be very valuable to any healthcare professional involved with direct patient care. Any healthcare professional that is involved in the teaching or communicating the treatment plan to the patient could benefit with the application of these suggestions. As a nurse I can apply these suggestions anytime I need teach patients about treatment plans. Good communication is a very important skill to develop and will be beneficial not only with the patients but with coworkers as well.

Hoosiers Essay

‘Hoosiers’ is a sports film made in 1986 about a basketball team of high school of a small town in Indiana. The film represents a time during 1952 when every high school in Indiana used to compete in one or the other state championships. The film is based on the new coach of the basketball team, Norman Dale who in fact has a past with a spot and has been out of the game for nearly more than a decade. The people in the town are adamant to fire him because they are not sure about the coach, not at all trust him and also dislike his coaching style. Despite all these opposing, Coach Dale sets himself focused and finally brings the whole team together and helps it to win the state championship and at the same time wins the heart of the people too. Coach Dale explains to the team members that it becomes necessary to apply different leadership styles in different situations. One of the styles that help the team members to unite and win the championship is authoritative style. Initially, in fact immediately in his first interaction with the team members, Coach Dale applies this style on them and asks Ray to keep out of the game just because he didn’t follow his instructions word by word. The movie is of course about a high school basketball team but it depicts that a person’s leadership and right directions can lead even a community and if one were focused on his goal, he would definitely achieve it. Authoritative style is, in fact, uniting the members of the team by focusing on a common goal that has to be achieved but here the members are to follow the instructions of their leader on the way of achieving the goal. But in this movie it was not only the leadership style but also lot of other characteristics of Coach Dale like his optimism, self-confidence, farsightedness, enthusiasm, toughness and of course motivation, that helped the team to win and follow his instructions. There are times when authoritative style of leadership seems to look like dictatorial or bossy but it best fits in situations when the leader has the best knowledge and experience as compared to other members of the team or when time limit is less for the group to take decisions. Authoritative style of leadership becomes important when the goal is common but the group members are not very sure about the ways to achieve it but the leader has a concrete idea, which if followed there is maximum chance of achieving the goal. The whole and sole responsibility lies on the leader’s shoulders and he or she must have the expertise and should possess all the basic and detailed information to handle the situation. In the movie, Coach Dale has his goal focused and applies this style of leadership most of the time because he has the self-confidence and farsightedness in him along with the experience of the game much more than the other members of the team. Initially his players don’t listen to him and two among them even walk away because they don’t trust him and to follow someone it is very important to have faith in his words. The movie focuses on the significance of determination and importance of right leadership in not only a basketball game but in life too. When it becomes difficult to  achieve the target in life and you have someone who has the confidence and expertise to guide you, you must follow him and trust him.

Year of Wonders

Year Of Wonders Essay 2 Whilst Anys and Aphra are minor characters, they still play an important role in the novel, do you agree? Introduction: In the historical novel The Year Of Wonders, Although the author Geraldine Brooks portrays both Anys and Aphra as support characters, both Anys and Aphra play an important role in the novel, this will be explored in three ways, Anys’s view on the patriarchal society and how she effects the town, Aphra’s importance in the town and her influence on Anna, and lastly Anys’s influence on inspiring and teaching Anna.Anys Gowdie may not have a large acting role in the novel but her presence in the novel compensates for that, Anys plays an important role in the town because of her attitude towards the patriarchal society and her unique views on religion and on the men. In a time where women were living in a society where they were suppressed, uneducated and restricted in their occupations, Anys and Mem demonstrate a new form of w omen that are emerging among the village of Eyam. They challenge the values of the period in several ways.They are highly educated in herbal medicine, independent and non-conforming to the conventions of society. In particular, the Gowdies sense of uniqueness is what allows them to contribute to positively impacting the village. Anys shows how Barber surgeons â€Å"knew nothing of women’s body† and how she does, just by being a woman. Brooks verges on an idea of how logic, science and independence (all followed by the Gowdies) allows one to be stronger than those who oblige themselves to superstition and religion, thus showing us the importance of Anys’s character in the novel.Anys Gowdie doesn’t just have a big impact on the town of Eyam but Anys also plays an important role with her unlikely friendship with Anna. Anys inspires Anna to be a strong, independent woman. For it is â€Å"Truculent Anys† that Anna hears â€Å"whispering impatientlyâ₠¬  in her ear as she tries to deliver the Daniels baby. Anna admires Anys’s strength (â€Å"Why would I marry? I’m not made to be any mans chattel, I have my work, which I love, I have my home- its not much, I grant, yet sufficient for my shelter, but more than these, I ave something very few women can claim: my freedom, I will not lightly surrender it†) and this in turn makes Anna stronger. â€Å"she was a rare creature, Anys Gowdie, and I had to own that I admired her for listening to her own heart rather than having her life ruled by other conventions. Without Anys’s â€Å"guidance Anna wouldn’t have believed she could deliver the baby alone. Aphra Bont is also considered a minor character but like Anys she still plays an important role in the novel.Throughout the novel Aphra is seen as a great contrast to Anna she is portrayed as a cold hearted harsh women and Anna’s view was â€Å"I was always a pair of hands before I was a person, someone to toil after her babies† None the less Aphra was still an important woman without her we wouldn’t have seen the harsh breakdown of society which is shown in the chapter †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ where Aphra’s punishment is carried out by the angry and fragile towns people, Aphra is chucked into a cave filled with pig excrement up to her nose and left there for an entire night, when she emerges from the cave she seems to have gone insane, it is this side of Aphra that signals just how far the town has fallen since the plagues beginning, this scene highlights Aphra’s importance in the novel. However Aphra also plays an important role in the climax of the plot. In a fit of rage (after her decaying daughters head falls off) Aphra stabs and kills Elinor with the very knife that kept Joss Bont stuck to the mine. This is a key scene in the novel, for it is this scene that starts Michael Mompellion down the path of depression, it is after this chapter that Michael M ompellion loses his faith and falls into a pit of despair, which is shown by his comment â€Å"untrue in one thing, untrue in everything. This key scene emphasises the importance of Aphra’s character.

Sigmund Freud Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Sigmund Freud - Essay Example Freud compared religious practice with neurosis as it related to the unconscious forces of guilt through repetitive behavior. (Kessler, 2007, p.149)When discussing religious mysticism and the unity experience, Freud believed that the deep unconscious patterns of the womb experience and infancy were the basis of this manifestation in religion. (Kessler, 2007, p.148) Along with this, Freud viewed desire / satisfaction, feelings of security / insecurity, and the need to be accepted or loved as related to childhood patterns of family relationship. These also form the basis of the need for religion in the individual. Freud believed that the Oedipal complex was itself a universal pattern that was reflected in religious belief. He felt fundamentally that religion was an illusion, like a neurosis, and used historically for the repression of instincts. As human societies become more developed and educated, he believed, religion would increasingly be replaced by a rational and secular society where sin was redefined and guilt was not repressed. Thus, modern, cosmopolitan liberal culture and the sexual development of Western culture that has occurred since the 1920’s are an example of what Freud believed would occur when religious beliefs on the repression of basic instincts and desires were lifted by society through secularism. Carl Jung believed that Freud was too narrow in interpreting the Oedipal as universal and in basing all religious instincts on the unconscious behavior patterns of childhood. His work posited the â€Å"collective unconscious† and psychological archetypes that formed a type of deep human identity relationship with the universe and manifested through religious mythology and dream symbolism similarly. (Kessler, 2007, p.149) According to Jung, the way that the individual conceived the self and God or ultimate reality represented a gap that was to be bridged by the spiritual path or the process of self-realization. Thus, if the individual viewed the religious path as a means of self-expression of the Self’s highest values, it would be a valuable and healthy aspect of self-development, and not neurosis as Freud posited. Some claim that each psychologist’s writings reflected a cultural bias from their social position. Freud’s family was Jewish growing up in the pre-Nazi era in Austria (Vienna), while Jung was a Protestant German in the same period who relocated to Switzerland during the pre-war era. Jung was highly influenced by the German alchemical tradition, and he uses psychology as a basis to reformulate this religious philosophy into a theory of higher self-realization, while Freud’s own Oedipal complex may have been dominant and thus related to him as positing it as a cosmological principal. Similarly, Freud and Jung’s views on religions can be seen as describing their own highest Self and value systems, and based on their own understanding of the individual in relation to soc iety which is also projected subjectively into the theory. 3. A theodicy is a theological or religious justification for the existence or appearance of evil in the world. (Kessler, 2007, p.161) As Kessler states, this is the simplest definition, for on one hand evil can be defined in all manner of ways as intentional pain, suffering, violence, death, destruction, cruelty, etc. but a theodicy is generally used to reconcile these perceptions of reality with a conception of God that is pure, true, the sum of the good, and all-loving. The practical experience of an individual living in the world contradicts the ideal of a perfect, loving God generally unless it is mediated with a theodicy. The karma philosophy in Buddhism and Hinduism posits a

Is the death penalty effective (argument) Essay

Is the death penalty effective (argument) - Essay Example Different studies conducted in different states have concluded differently about the deterrent effects of death penalty, which makes it difficult to deduce the effectiveness of capital punishment (Durlauf, Fu, and Navarro 1). Despite the subjectivity of its effectiveness from statistical observation, and the fact that death penalty is the harshest of all punishments that can be possibly given to the criminals, its usefulness and effectiveness in establishing peace in the society cannot be denied. Spending millions of dollars on death penalty is worth it because it is really effective in reducing crime rate, establishing the right justice system, and inculcating fear of law in the criminals. Capital punishment eradicates the possibility for the same criminal to reengage in crime ever. It is as simple as this; no more criminal means no more crime. Every criminal that is released from prison after completing the assigned duration of imprisonment carries the possibility of reengaging in crime. In fact, many criminals do reengage in crime. After their release, they are exposed to the same environmental, social, and cultural factors that convinced them to commit the crime before. This is the reason why many criminals are returning prisoners. Death penalty provides the most effective solution against crime recurrence. There is no recompense as fair as death penalty for certain crimes. The relatives of a person who has been murdered mostly want nothing less than murder of the murderer. The criminal deserves to be given death penalty because he/she has caused the same to someone else; â€Å"if those murdered are the sort inclined to forgive those who injure them, their murderers can take comfort that on dying they might be forgiven and at one, in the sense of having a morally balanced relationship restored, with their victims† (Aspenson 104). Fair judicial system demands that a criminal is granted punishment commensurate with the weight of the

Professional Practice (PGCE) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

Professional Practice (PGCE) - Essay Example The teachers understood me as a student and that gave me a valuable lesson - that interacting, communicating and engaging ones students in a dialog helps in sharing of ideas and experiences and enhances our knowledge about the subject (Steffe & Gale, 1995). Such interaction also helped me realize the significance of active learning whereby students can learn merely through communicating with one another and through exchanging of ideas. It also taught me to be responsible and responsive to my students. The collaborative learning approach used in classrooms enabled holistic learning and development of the students (Cohen, Brody and Sapon-Shevin, 2012) and helped in reflecting on the concepts learned. The effectiveness with which the course was designed encouraged me to experiment with diverse ideas and approaches, which can be used in class while teaching and also equipped me with adequate knowledge and skills to address the various challenges that I would encounter during my role as a teacher. During the course of my study I had an opportunity to observe other teachers as well as be observed by other teachers and in the process I learned the various teaching approaches and the implication of using them in a classroom setting. I also learned to develop lesson plans and completed five modules which includes Introduction to teaching and learning, planning and assessing, applying theory to practice, reflective practice, curriculum and professional practice. Teacher observation helped me learn about skills such as classroom management, and the benefit of a student-focused approach. It helped in the overall professional development as a teacher. Through this course I realized the significance of observation and the manner in which it helps in self-reflection and influence the way we teach, since it exposes the teachers to new innovative methods of teaching and help in creating a professional learning environment with the

Case Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Management - Assignment Example However, people tried to kill my dream by discouraging me into joining the nursing school. For this reason, I diverted into legal studies, where I managed to get a degree in 1998. However, I now seek to pursue my dream and have decided to branch off into nursing. Through getting a place in the nursing school, I will be able to nurture my talent, hence contribute to a healthy society. I realize that people pass through different stages, both pleasurable and unpleasant. During these times, I enjoy being a source of encouragement to people. For instance, when an individual is on his/her deathbed, I sympathize with him/her by giving comfort, and other material needs. In moments of joy, for instance, birth, I rejoice with the new mother and seek to give any assistance that would contribute to their joy. Through this, I have learned to share intimate times with people, hence encouraging me to pursue a career in nursing. Joining the nursing school will allow me to become well equipped with the skills of nursing. In addition, I will apply the skills gained in a veteran hospital where I have worked for six years now. Through this work, I have gained experience of working with both sick and well veterans. However, I have realized that I need to learn a few more concepts and skills in order to give my services satisfactorily. Thus, the skills gained in the nursing school will make my skills better. Apart from working in the veteran hospital, I intend to visit marginal societies, where treatment is minimal and give assistance. For instance, I will contribute to the profession by visiting Africa, where I intend to use my skills to save the lives of many people. Some, for instance, are ignorant of healthy ways of living, thus experience high rates of mortality frequently. Therefore, apart from offering services, I intend to train other nurses, who will assist in saving lives. Moreover, I will teach people ways of taking care of other patients at home, eating

Virtual Intimacy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Virtual Intimacy - Research Paper Example The history of virtual intimacy can also be traced in older times. It was in practice with the help of letters (pen friendships) and telephones (telephonic friendships: a bit newer trend than pen friendship). These practices were not so much common and were only revolving around a certain group of people usually with literary taste. It was a practice of patience so young generation was rarely found indulged in such relationships (Psy.D.). During the age of technology, people who were dreaded of loneliness found a way out to get rid of anxiety and stressful individualist life. They started finding happiness in their desktops. Virtual intimacy and distant cyber oriented relationships no doubt have introduced us with a number of social and communal melodies with incurable side effects. Youth has abundantly distracted in the way of finding their glee in their computers. Cyber crimes were augmented significantly during the age of virtual intimacy (Halder et al 32). These crimes include ha cking, personal information theft, online passwords theft, credit cards theft and fake identity show off. Levels of virtual intimacy are several including general friendships, love relationship and sexual relationships using web cameras and audio applications. Lack of trust and fake identity representation has destroyed the entire beauty of social networking. People are usually representing their identity in false grounds to timely enjoy with others (Gizmodo). Apart from social networking sites, internet media has introduced online dating services where individuals can find their dating partners to exhale their desperate feelings of affections. Since Maslow has identified social and affection need of human being, it has now justified because people cannot survive in individualist cultures (Halder et al 34). When the debate of real versus virtual relationships comes into being, it can easily be justified that level of trust is vulnerable in actual and physical relations in today†™s technological age. In the scenario of uncertain physical intimate relations, it is really hard to trust upon unseen people on internet in order to plunge in to a relationship. In some cases, people reach to marriages but such marriages are not long terms due to abundantly spoken lies (Kiesbye 21). People are lean to plunge in to virtual relations because they do not feel any sort of binding or accountability. They can utilize their leisure in better way. It also offers diversity to people. If a person joins an international dating forum, he or she can get a very diverse choice of people. For example, females in western countries are more interested in Asian men and men in Asian countries like to have a white lady. This collision in choices stimulates them to have a platform to get connected with people of their desire. Many people are fond of travelling and networking, for this purpose they remain connected with many people of their interest areas who can provide them help when needed (Panteli 101). A very broadly observed phenomenon is curse of foreign nationality in men of less developed countries. They get contacts with foreign woman who can support them to come abroad for better earnings. However this is observed lesser. Nowadays people are interested in short term relationships without any sense of accountability and responsibility. Which is why they either virtually intimated with others or they look for shorter term need fulfillment

The Government and Economy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Government and Economy - Term Paper Example In the event a person was to come across the document for first time – having a wealth of sociology, they would immediately classify the document as being one of the many inquiries that have been made with regards to a certain special field in sociology. There are a number of attributes about the author that stand out with regards to this definition. From a sociological point of view, a reader may be tempted to think that the author had a well or improved view of modern Sombart has made or placed forth a very strong statement with regards to the fact that the entire era of modern capitalism and all the aspects related to this differs from earlier industrial epochs. This is mainly with regards to something far deeper than the mere methods of conducting business and other activities. He has gone forward to point out and present details that prove the dominant motive or main cause for doing business has undergone changes. The controlling purpose and main cause of modern business has become to increase the various volumes and also to enlarge the power of capital. In this case, capital is being enlarged for its own sake, and also for the sake of the social power it confers. This has been established as the main standard or purpose of modern business and economic lives (Congress). ... It is important to note that the basic portions set forth were clearly and positively based and founded on various human principles as opposed to the implicit capitalistic principles. It is important to note that Wealth of Nations was never authored or engineered with capital assumptions in mind. The occurrences or activity were as a result of the various services related to capital and those that are directly associated with capital. These formed the basis of the books which was to assess the goals of economics in part. Contrary to this attribute about the authoring of the book, the author had also assumed that the various economic activities and occurrences in their entirety were, as a matter or principle of course, a means or way of putting people in possession or giving out power with respect to the various means of life. Additionally, to state or put across the same fact or truth in a little different way, Smith went ahead and assumed that the entire value and concepts contained therein are attached to varying economic activities was a matter that was to be decided and settled by their effects on consumption (Jewell, 1982). That is to mean, instead of attributing the production of wealth in the forefront, as being the most important measure with regards to economic processes, the author evidently, at least through his fundamental theory, regarded or attributed the production of wealth as a minute or mere incidence to the consumption and utilization of wealth. The author’s whole moral philosophy was that the ultimate or vital evaluator of all creation and utilization; that is, the individual process, as it was assessed, analyzed and synthesized on the grounds of moral philosophy, was reviewed to be the tribunal of, or associated to the last