Culture and Cuisine Essay

Food is one of many factors that distinguishes one culture from another. It has been used for ceremonial purposes, sacrificial rituals, and some food even holds symbolic meaning based on religion. Why do people of the Jewish and Islamic faith choose not to eat pork? Why is wine and alcohol often associated with parties and celebrations? The origin of many of today’s cuisine and dining traditions can be traced back thousands of years, and often have a religious significance. Religion has influenced people’s food choices and traditions since ancient times, and much of its impact is still prominent in today’s world. In everyday life, it is easy for anyone to take note of religion’s presence in food and different types of cuisine. In grocery stores and supermarkets, foods are often labeled as â€Å"Kosher† or â€Å"Halal†; and with holidays such as Lent and Ramadan, it is clear that many traditions that began thousands of years ago are still important to people in today’s society. The ban of pork products within the Jewish and Islamic faith, for example, dates back to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians were known for having a strong dislike– perhaps even fear– of the pig. For this reason, pigs were never depicted in hieroglyphics, even though they were present. Believing that the animals carried parasites and leprosy, it was only Egyptians of the lowest social class who were swine herders, and they were banned from entering any temples or places of worship. Maguelonne Toussaint-Samat suggests that is why the pig has become a forbidden food source: That attitude could be at the root of the Jewish and Muslim prohibition of pig meat. Moses†¦ declared the animal unclean†¦ this taboo slowed down Islamic expansion into China, for the Chinese love pork as much as carp and ducks†¦ Today a certain amount of pig meant eaten in Europe, particularly ham, comes from China. (370) This shows how religion has influenced not only what a certain culture chooses to eat, but also how it has affected trade and migration patterns throughout the world’s development. It is clear that food can hold so much religious significance, that it can even prevent two cultures from integrating with each other, as shown by the lack of Islamic presence in China. With various religious beliefs, comes various opinions about certain foods. â€Å"†¦Patterns of behavior vary among followers of different religions, resulting from different norms† (Heiman, Just, McWilliams, and Zilberman). An example of clashing viewpoints is the difference between Greek, Muslim, and Chinese opinions about wine. The ancient Greeks are some of history’s greatest lovers of wine. They used wine for celebrations and believed it to be a drink of the gods as it was made by Dionysus, the god of wine. Alternatively, some Muslims forbade wine. This is most likely because of their fear of its effects, and drunkenness was looked down upon. There was, however, a Muslim mystic by the name of Nabulsi who declared that wine was the drink of divine love. Like Nabulsi, some chose to believe the Chinese proverb that states it is not wine that intoxicates– man is the one who becomes intoxicated, because he is weak (Toussaint-Samat 234). These different views of wine, or alcohol in general, is still evident today as some Muslims choose to drink it while some choose not to. In Christianity, wine is symbolic of the blood of Jesus, and holds significance particularly in the Catholic church for occasions such as communion. Symbolism, perhaps, is the most obvious connection between food and religion– it is not the food itself that is sacred or significant, but what it stands for. Michel Desjardins explores how food can be a symbol in different religions and cultures: At times, food also function symbolically– for example, when prayer before eating express thanks for divine concern, when the Passover meal commemorates mythic stories, or when the Arabic Muslim and Christian coffee ritual calls on the divine. Other times food is offered directly to deities†¦(153) Not only does religion affect what some people eat and do not eat, but also the types of meals that are made, the preparation, and the rituals that are paired with the food. Christian traditions involve praying before partaking in a meal, and Jewish customs call for elaborate feasts that are prepared by traditional methods. Another common use for food is sacrificing or offering certain foods to deities. Buddhists often present rice and or fruits to statues of Buddha– a long-standing religious tradition. Religion has greatly impacted the culinary world in the past, as well as today. The combination of religion and cuisine has proven to be deeply rooted in the history of mankind and the development of different cultures, as people all over the globe still maintain these traditions. Whether one is partaking in wine during communion, preparing Shabbat dinner, setting food before Buddha, or makes a lifelong decision not to eat pork, religion has an obvious presence in today’s society. Works Cited Desjardins, Michel. â€Å"Teaching about Religion with Food. † Teaching Theology and Religion. 3rd ed. Vol. 7. Oxford: Blackwell Ltd. , 2004. 153-58. Heiman, Amir, David Just, Bruce McWilliams, and David Zilberman. â€Å"Religion, Religiosity, Lifestyles and Food Consumption. † Ebscohost. Web. . Toussaint-Samat, Maguelonne. A History of Food. Paris: Wiley-Blackwell, 1992.

Advantage of science Essay

Science gives us safe food, free from harmful bacteria, in clean containers or hygienic tins. It also teaches us to eat properly, indicating a diet balanced in protein and carbohydrate and containing vitamins. The results is freedom from disease and prolonged life. In pre-scientific days, food was monotonous and sometimes dangerous; today it is safe and varied. It is varied because through improved sea, land and air transport food can now be freely imported and exported. Science has also improved clothing and made it more appropriate for climatic and working conditions. Man-made fibers and versatile spinning machines, today enable us to dress in clothes both comfortable and smart without being expensive. Home, school and office all bear witness to the progress and application of science. Nowadays, most homes possess electric lighting and cooking, but many also have washing machines, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances, all designed to increase comfort and cleanliness and reduce dr udgery. Science produces the fan which cools the air, the machinery which makes the furniture and fabrics, and hundred and one other features for good living. The books and papers are at school, and again everything from the piece of chalk to the closed-circuit television of instruction are the direct or indirect results of scientific progress. Learning is therefore easier. And clerical work is made far more speedy and efficient by the office typewriter, quite apart from the hundreds of different machines which relieve the manual worker of so much slow and monotonous toil in the factories. The first and the major advantage is that medical science is very progressive and vastly available. Without the needed technology a lot of people would struggle with their health. More complicated treatments are being carried out successfully, by means of science and technology. These include surgeries, heart and kidney transplant, artificial inseminations and many others. These treatments are saving many innocent lives. The point is to spread it, and reach with medicine help to the poor nations of the Third World. Again, advanced technology improves industry by making it more effective and, what is vital today, safer for environment. Modern technology has introduced various sophisticated machines into our industries which is increasing productivity at a very fast rate. Work that required technological advancements have made the world a smaller place to live in Dissemination : whether spreading  information, broadcasting news, or sharing knowledge, technology has made it faster, easier, and smarter. Education Disadvantage  with the new science and technology developments most people underestimate the damage it gives us. First of all, I would like to say, that with these new science and technical appliances people became to be lazy. They rarely go out to work on foot or by a bicycle. Now there are a lot of modern cars in the cities, which are said to be emitting less gas. But still their emitted gasses damage the environment, so to my mind, that is why pollution of our environment is increasing. Secondly, it seems to me, that technologies are throwing away our free time. For example, these new laptop computer or those touch-screen devices are full of entertaining programs, which are attracting people effectively. Then people forget how to communicate with others in real life, not through international communication systems like â€Å"Skype† or â€Å"Facebook†.

John Steinbeck and his book ‘Of Mice and Men’ Essay

John Ernst Steinbeck was born on February 27, in 1902 in Salinas, California, He came from a reasonably well off family. He worked his way through college at Stanford University, but never graduated, so in 1925 he set off to New York where he tried to start his career as a writer, but he failed to have any of his writing published and returned to California. He then published a few books and short stories. His first novel, Cup of Gold was published in 1929, but attracted little attention. The readers also poorly acknowledged his following two novels, The Pastures of Heaven and To a God Unknown. Steinbeck then married his first wife, Carol Henning in 1930. But he still wasn’t recognised in the world of literature until 1935 when Tortilla Flat was published. It received the California Commonwealth Club’s Gold Medal for best novel by a California author, and then his work became recognised far and wide. Steinbeck then went onto produce some of his greatest novels, including Grapes of Wrath, which was a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1939. The greatest prize Steinbeck was awarded for his writing was the Nobel Prize for Literature, in 1962. John Steinbeck died on December 20th, 1968, in New York. The first book I read by John Steinbeck was ‘Of Mice and Men’ and it is about two men who are immigrant American labourers. Together they have a dream to settle down and farm their own land rather than work for other people. So they join a group of farmers to earn the money, so that they can buy the farmland for themselves. These two friends are completely unlike each other. One of them, who is called George, is a small intelligent man, and the other, Lennie, is a big, clumsy, caring, but child-like man. The two men have been friends since they were children. But Lennie was not always stupid, but became like this after an accident that happened when he was young. George is always with Lennie for comfort, friendship, but mainly as he is very strong and can work on a farm better than most people. George supports him, helps him and puts thoughts into his head, to try to him motivated. Lennie trusts George with everything and really values their friendship. When the two friends finally get the money to make their dreams come true George takes advantage of Lennie and kills him, so that his dream is secured. In this book you are made to feel sorry for Lennie, as he was very caring, and even when he killed the animals, and boss’s sons wife, you know that he was only being friendly and caring, and just wasn’t aware of his own strength. At the beginning of the book George seems to be Lennie’s friend, but by the end you realize that he is only using Lennie to fulfil his own dreams. The second book by Steinbeck I read was ‘East of Eden’. This book was set in the period between the American Civil War and the end of World War I. It is about the conflicts of two generations of brothers. The opening chapters describe Samuel and his family, and what living in Salinas Valley is like for them. The first generation is the kind, gentle, caring Adam Trask and his wild brother Charles. Adam eventually marries Cathy Ames who is a wicked, manipulative, but very beautiful prostitute. Cathy betrays Adam, with his brother Charles on the very night of their wedding. Later, after giving birth to twin boys, she shoots Adam and then leaves him to return to her former job. With the help of their Chinese servant Lee, Adam raises their sons, the fair-haired, charming, yet stubborn Aron, and the mysterious, clever Caleb, without telling them about their mother. The second generation of brothers compete for their father’s approval. In resentment Caleb reveals the truth about their mother to Aron, so he then leaves to join the army. At the end of the story, Lee makes a great effort to help keep the Trask family together, when Adam is lying in his bed dying, Caleb is overwhelmed with guilt because Aron has been killed in the army. Lee believes that if Adam gives Caleb his blessing for indirectly killing his own brother, he will able to move on in life, and not always feel so guilty. In this novel, although he is not a main character, Lee, their servant is a good friend to Adam, and helped him at his worst times, and managed to hold the family together, so the story wouldn’t have turned out the same without him. The third book I read by John Steinbeck was ‘The Grapes of Wrath’. The book is set in California and it follows the terrible misfortunes of the Joad family, who like many others have given up their lives in Oklahoma in search of employment in California. The book follows both their hopes and setbacks creating a true account of the American dream of the 1930’s, as we observe their struggle to try to get by with what little money and possessions they have. When the Joad family leave the Hooverville, which is an independent migrant camp and move to a government camp, because they cannot find a job at Hooverville. This camp is clean and has a local government made up of migrant workers. For the first time since arriving in California, the Joads find themselves treated as human beings. However, when the work runs out they had to move on. Tom ends up killing a man who is responsible for the death of is good friend John Casey. They have to flee and find work picking cotton, and Tom’s presence there is soon spotted, and Tom has to go into hiding. The ending of this book, even though not dreadfully clear, does suggest a little hope for the Joads, but more so hope for humanity. I enjoyed this book because I saw a lot of things that all of these books have in common, and the most obvious thing was that each book was about underprivileged people who were fighting to keep their lives and families together through many misfortunes. In Steinbeck’s books there is always an inferior character that keeps the people together, for example in The Grapes of Wrath Ma Joad tries as hard as she can to keep her family together, but apart from that you don’t know much about her. And also in East of Eden the servant, Lee, holds the family together, and helped to bring up Adam’s children. The struggle between good and evil is the most dominant theme in these books. John Steinbeck shows that everyone has the potential to be a good person, or completely immoral. An example of this theme is in East of Eden, as Adam is a very kind and caring person, but Cathy is nasty and pitiless. Also in Of Mice and Men, Lennie is a gentle loving man, whereas his friend George turns out to be a horrible, ruthless person. Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath have a connection between the type of work the people do because they are both about people trying to make ends meet working on farms, trying to fulfill their own dreams. Love is another issue that all these books have in common, because whenever love is missing from a specific part of the story, the results become disastrous. The three of Steinbeck’s books that I read all have a very detailed and descriptive writing style, which adds to your satisfaction of his books, as you are given persuasive glimpse into the lives of others. The characters in Steinbeck’s books seem to come to life because of the vast understanding of human courage to be able to choose between what is right and wrong Steinbeck has. I enjoyed reading all of these books, because even though in some ways they were very similar, they all had a different storyline, so I didn’t find the second and third story boring after reading the first one.

Do you think that sport helps develop good character Discuss Essay

Do you think that sport helps develop good character Discuss - Essay Example As sportsmen follow these disciplinary requirements and avoid disciplinary measures that develop good character, which is the ultimate goal of all disciplines. As such, it is quite clear, that sports play a major role in developing good character in the sports field. For example, the soccer sport follows the FIFA rules that govern world participation in a football field. The rules dictate heavy fines and bans to undisciplined footballers and advocates for fairness. Indeed, footballers have become role models with good characters in most cases. Actually, many people believe that putting their children to play sport, helps develop a good character and, I agree with that.  In addition, sports require maximum concentration and hence deny the participants time and chance to develop unethical traits. Hence, it promotes good character. In addition to helping people develop a good character, it also helps you to live a very healthy life.  Hence, I would recommend participation in sports for developing good character and a healthy living. Nevertheless, all of us cannot go to sports and should therefore adopt other ways of developing good character. Religion and individual personality play major role in developing good

Ethics In The Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethics In The Media - Essay Example In order to establish this concept of ethics in media, the method of self-regulation is used. Self-regulation in essence, aims to set minimum standards on ethics to guarantee that journalists pertain to rules of conduct while representing information through the media. Ethics become necessary in this regard because any source of media would be regarded as untrustworthy by the people if it presents distorted information. In the current generation the high levels of competition in the media industry could result in severe losses. Many problems could arise due to not respecting the ethics in a particular situation. Ethics ensure a reliance on a culture that understands personal boundaries of people, refrains from lies and deceitful dealings and does not use unfair means to achieve personal gains (Chiyamaka 4). Applying ethics to media would obviously mean by extension that no social, moral or professional harm should be caused to those involved. When these ethics are applied in the form of rules, it would guarantee the general public that their private lives are respected and no personal harm is caused to any of them. The spirit of democracy is hampered if a code of ethics is not followed by the media because no freedom is present since, people are controlled through the watchful eyes of the media lurking to catch up on their every move. Therefore, the judgements should always be rational on the part of media, keeping in mind the fact that there are lives and sensitive matters such as the relationships between different countries involved (Chiyamwaka 3). A prominent book basically covered the idea of social and religious factors when it comes to ethics in the research media. A case was the recent publication of the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in a Danish Newspaper, which was an offence intended towards all Muslim readership (Ward & Wasserman 142-143).The whole idea that a religion is being disrespected is horrendous and does not respect any of the rules of et hics. This caused a tremendous outcry in the media and people carried out mass protests against this act because it went out rightly against a particular system of belief. This also occurred upon the planning of the international Burn the Quran Day (Ward & Wasserman 143-145). This was shown on different news channels without having a hint of hatred or realization that this act was wrong. The reason why this might be so popular in the United States is because of the reason that media has been given the same freedom as human beings. This is one of the articles in the constitution, which says: â€Å"Congress shall make no law†¦ abridging the freedom of speech or of the press† (Johnson et al 1). This was passed in 1971 as the 1st Amendment, in the Bill of Rights in the U. S. Constitution. According to this concept, the U. S. claims that every system has a presence of checks and balances. This means that the media will try to establish the fact that internal checks and balanc es will control and mishaps in the media (Johnson et al 4). Ethics are synonymous with fairness, justice, impartiality and their presentation of truth just as it is. These ethics play a significant role in shaping a society, especially for its reformation. The media plays a major role in the lives of people today all

Importance of psychology in nursing and how gender plays a role Dissertation

Importance of psychology in nursing and how gender plays a role - Dissertation Example With its over-arching knowledge and general applicability to various discourses, psychology has been successful in having an impact on the profession of nursing as well. The profession of nursing entails, â€Å"the use of clinical judgment in the provision of care to enable people to improve, maintain, or recover health, to cope with health problems and to achieve the best possible quality of life whatever their disease or disability until death† (Glasper & Richardson, pp. 95, 2006). As obvious from this definition, nursing is inevitably related to psychology and its inferences since it does not only deal with humans (patients) but also has a critical impact on how nurses deal with different patients, as well as on the element of care and strategies that focus on the stimulation of quicker recovery. Thus, in all aspects, psychology and nursing are highly interrelated with one affecting the performance of the other. However, there is more to it than just the element of care and its psychological underlying themes. What is particularly interesting, especially in the light of modern advancements in career planning and professional motivations is the issue of gender in nursing. Recently, what was considered to be only women’s profession, first of prostitutes and nuns and later on, by the virtue of Florence Nightingale, of decent educated and cultures young women, is now profession of young men. In specific, there has been a significant rise in number of male nurses in the past decade globally. Interesting to note; however, are the differences and similarities between these trends and behaviors of caring and treating the patients by male and female nurses individually (Miers, 2000). In this regard, this paper will attempt to discover these differences and trends and identify response patterns particular to each of them. Brief analysis of the literature indicated research of Kalisch & Kalisch (1987) who put efforts to explore change in the image of nurs ing profession all along the passage of time. In specific, concise description of their hypothesis is that perception of the female nurse as Angel of Mary in late 19th century evolved into that of Girl Friday prevalent in 1920’s. Subsequently, during World War II, the nurses played the role of Heroines followed by their image as Wives and Mothers in 1950’s and from mid 1960’s until 1980’s, they confronted their perception as sex objects (Kalisch & Kalisch, 1987). However, since after 1980s, the image of female nurses has changed radically. Nowadays, society look at the nurses as middle-aged, Caucasian, overworked and female representatives of the society. In addition, one can come across many reasons to evaluate how the femininity in the perception of nursing has accentuated. Specifically, nursing came about as a popular profession for women who wanted to step outside their homes and work. Therefore, since the very beginning, society perceived it as a fem inine profession. Several other researchers (Miers, 2000) noted that during the World Wars, this gender divide became all the more visible as the women took up the care-giving role and supported their male counterparts who went and fought in the battle. On the other hand, men were also discouraged as they confront rejection while acquiring admission in nursing schools.

Most Important Cybersecurity Vulnerability Facing IT Managers Today Term Paper

Most Important Cybersecurity Vulnerability Facing IT Managers Today - Term Paper Example With the related elementary technique, that employs the transmission of the email SPAM formed to seem similar to it was derived through an officially authorized organization as well as in that way trapping us to go after a weblink to a wrong website that had been shaped to as well seem similar to it belonged to a valid organization, we could be trapped into sensational individual data and information regarding yourself that is also acknowledged as the Phishing (Rodriguez, 2007). The recompense was twofold. The executor of this act could go behind doesn't matter what economic capital we had like that our credit or debit card number, bank account, etc. or they could copy or steal an adequate amount of data and information from our computer to get hold of our identity. This category of online fraud is acknowledged as the identity theft. Identity theft possibly being even further shocking to the actual person for the reason that a hacker could make use of our individuality to open up cre dit and debit cards, bank accounts as well as carry out further negative activities and crimes concealed at the back of our identity (Rodriguez, 2007). Introduction to Phishing I believe phishing is the single most important cyber security vulnerability that IT managers are facing today. Actually, phishing is the process in which an authorized person tries to get access and use sensitive data and information such as usernames, personal information, credit card information and passwords by making use of deceptive and fake means as a trustworthy entity in an online and other internet supported communication. In addition, phishing is normally carried out through E-mail or through the instant messaging, as well as its generally directs... This essay stresses that IT managers are responsible for dealing with IT operations of an organization. In fact, business organizations heavily rely on IT in order to successfully operate their business. In this scenario, it is the responsibility of IT managers to implement strict security measures to ensure the secure execution of these IT operations. Given below are some of the important actions that can be taken to stop phishing. Information and data stealing is an extensively employed technique to industry intelligence. Through theft of personal infrastructure, plan credentials, officially permitted estimations, worker associated records, information robber’s proceeds from promotion to those who can want to make self-conscious or reason economic harm or to contestants. This paper has discussed some of the important aspects of phishing. In the past few years, phishing has become very common. In fact, there are many kinds of phishing and the basic purpose is to steal someone’s personal information using illegal ways. Without a doubt, organizations today heavily rely on their business data and information and for this they heavily rely on an IT department. So if this information is accessed by any unauthorized person it can be used for illegal purposes. In some cases, a business competitor can also hack this information to destroy the business of an organization. So it is essential for IT managers to keep them up to date with the latest knowledge of cyber vulnerabilities and be ready to implement solutions to deal with these vulnerabilities.

Dry farming the Zinfandel grape varietal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dry farming the Zinfandel grape varietal - Essay Example Before irrigation systems became available and practical, dry farming was standard practice for planting and managing wine grapes in California. Dry farming is still possible and successfully used by some growers, but it is site-specific and dependent on annual rainfall, climate, soil type and grape variety. The economics of dry farming are a key consideration in relation to grape yields and prices. Dry farming wine grapes depend on residual soil moisture to meet the water requirements for grape vine growth and berry development (Chatterton, 196). Even in California’s dry Mediterranean climate, the water retained in soils from winter rains can be sufficient to support grape production throughout the growing season without supplemental irrigation. Dry farming techniques can improve grape and wine quality. Many growers have said that they trade quantity for quality when dry farming. Although dry-farmed vineyards may yield less than irrigated vineyards, the fruit that is produced often has more concentrated flavors and a deeper expression of quality taste. Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles believes that their dry-farmed berries are essential to the balance and expression of their wines. Dry farming can also have significant positive impacts on the environment and improve the sustainability of vineyards. By not irrigating, dry farmers reduce the water footprint of the vineyard. According to Frank Leeds (2003), studies in Napa Valley shows that he is saving a minimum of 16,000 gallons of water an acre a year by dry farming his vineyards, compared to those that only lightly irrigate. If vineyards can conserve fresh water, not only will they be contributing to water conservation, but also reducing their dependency on a highly demanded resource, particularly in areas of groundwater overdraft (Hargreaves & Mary, 109). Competition over

Toxicological Effects of Arsenic and Fate of Arsenic Term Paper - 1

Toxicological Effects of Arsenic and Fate of Arsenic - Term Paper Example The most common arsenic ores are arsenopyrite, orpiment and realgar. These compounds are byproducts of purification and mining of silver metal (Edward, and Carol, 2011). It occurs in group five of the periodic table just below nitrogen and phosphorus. It is classified chemically as a metalloid, having both properties of a metal and non-metal. Arsenic also occurs in a crystalline metallic form which is a steel gray solid and in dark gray amorphous solid. It exists in one of the three oxidation states; -3, Ã ·3, and +5 (Edward, and Carol, 2011). These compounds can be classified as either inorganic or organic. Inorganic arsenic compounds are those without arsenic-carbon bond while organic arsenic compounds are those with an arsenic-carbon bond (Ecclestone, 2010). Global production of arsenic is estimated to be 75,000 tons annually (NAS 1977; EPA 1980) of which almost 97% is used in the manufacture of arsenic trioxide and others are used to manufacture of special lead and copper alloys. Arsenic is used as homeopathic remedies used to cure patients with digestive problems, food poisoning, insomnia, allergies, anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Arsenic compounds have been used in the manufacture of medicine since the time of Hippocrates (David, 2008); the production of herbicides, desiccants, wood preservatives, and the development of stimulants for plants and animals. Other smaller amounts are used in the manufacture of glass and textiles (Toropova et al., 2011). Arsenic is in constant change and is oxidized, reduced or metabolized and is used in plant uptake or reduction by organisms and chemical processes. These compounds have been used for a long time for the manufacture of medicines ranging from human medicine, plant medicine and also other aquatic organisms. High concentrations of arsenic in the aquatic environment can slow down the growth of aquatic organisms such as fish and invertebrates. Arsenic is very vital in the aeration process of the water (David, 2008).

Technology at Work Essay Example for Free

Technology at Work Essay The World Wide and Computers GSP and Smart cell phones New way Transportation Introduction Technology is has made the world we live in today. It helps us move faster with the car we drive, and keeps us safe with new air bags or better seat belt. Technology is simple as a computer helping us type a research paper, to doing the research at home with the help of Internet. We are always inventing something better to improve our life, the invention of the cell phone made commutation better and faster. With new ways of getting to work in new safer, bigger and fast subways or buses, making it easier to get to work. We seem to do our day and not think of how lucky we are to be in this time. Health care to farming use technology from ordering supplies to gathering the crops, everyone have benefit from all these advancement. Technology at work Technology has always been made to improve and longer our lives. Technology affects our lives in good ways and bad from telling us what time it is to waking us in morning for work with a forecast of the day’s weather. Yet sometimes it lets us down breaking down on us when we need it the most or overheating and been unreliable to us. Today’s technology seems to be improving our lives every day and in every way impossible, with faster safer cars to new apps in our phones to check our bank account or where our loves are. With every new week new technology comes out, for example better bigger faster cell phones that have TV on it. Each week companies are working with new better technology to stay in reach of each other; from manager to manger or to employee. They use these tools to produce or work faster and safer. In this ever changing world and economy technology advancements are always improving before our eyes every day. Within the past five years cell phones, computers, cars and the internet have taken a big leap moving faster, become larger and doing much more then places a call or taking us to our destination. Technology has improve our daily lives in many ways without us been noticing. Yet the work place has had one of the biggest impacts, yet employees don’t feel or notice the impact it has had on them. With new cell phones, computers, and faster internet information travels faster than lighting these days. Also with new advancement in transportation of martials, supplies, and people can be done more efficiently in short time while saving on gas cost. These new technology advancement companies can save time and money. All these new advancement helps companies send, share, and acquire information within seconds. People and companies commute with each other with emails, text or a video chat. Information can travel faster than anyone could of image; the world doesn’t feel as big as before. A larger of implication is in the way companies and people conduct business these days. Now people can commute fast or shop online without leave our sits or their office. The World Wide and Computers Information travels faster than the speed of light in today’s world. Information is been sent from person to person in a blink of eye from blackberries to Iphones to emails making the world smaller thanks to communication technology . During work I wonder how hard work would be without our technology. Every company in the world use computers and the internet to store and send information, no more use store units and sending letters thru the mails. Thanks to the Internet Companies can store important files; send emails, orders supplies and materials thru the web. For century companies have try to commute and pass news to shareholders to employees. With computers companies can type a letter without use paper or ink and with the internet they can send to everyone in the companies thru email. News and important information’s can be sent out quicker thru the company. Instead of mailing letters companies are sending out emails. Thanks to the internet commutations seems a lot easier than before with emails, people can receive emails on their smart phones now and they response right way. With the new technology such emails and cell phones communication is made easier for employers and employees. Technology helps company run their business faster, safer, more money efficiently and at a lower cost. Adding technology-based tools to a work place increases safety it will also help increase organizational efficiencies. Computers and internet ensure data accuracy, improve workflow management, and reduce the total cost of incidents or the loss of information. Companies have always invented things to improve their production with a lower cost. The Invention of the internet has made to improve our work lives and make work easier to. The internet lets companies share, gather information quicker and cheaper. One example of computers and internets at work would be my job, working at hotel computers has made storing and gathering information’s quicker. When a guest walks in the front desk only needs his last name and they can look him up. The computers let the people in the front how long the guest is stay to what kind of room he would like. In an article â€Å"How Have Computers Helped the Workplace? † By Ann Dietrich, eHow Contributor† he tells â€Å"Many businesses now keep their client records and buying histories in databases for quick retrieval and review†. From hotels to retail use this technology this data helps company improve their service to making product in which customer would like. The internet today seems to change the way commute with each other in the past decade or so. We went from writing letters to each other to calling each other thru the phone to text and email or social network. The internet has transformed the way we communicate, in part due to the advent of the computer. Instead of mailing letters, were writing e-mails through Gmail or Hotmail. In â€Å"Workplace e-mail and Internet use: employees and employers beware â€Å"by Charles J. Muhl† he writes â€Å"The widespread use of the Internet and e-mail has transformed the way business is conducted in the typical American workplace. Written communication to almost anyone in the world now can be completed nearly instantaneously; information about any subject encountered in a daily job task can be retrieved in seconds from the Internet through multiple search engines. These technological developments have benefited employers and employees alike—employers in accomplishing business goals and employees in performing their duties. While I worked at Lowes I was showed that with click of a bottom managers can check on their employees and see how the work is coming along thru a computer at work or at his house. The World Wide Web has made it easier for people and companies to reach each other gather store and share data from customer to employee making communication a lot faster. E-mails are great of commutation because easy and are free companies and people save money sending emails instead of letters. You don’t have to send out mail and buy stamps use paper and ink. Although is a bit less formal. With a good follow-up e-mail companies can provide awesome customer service as well. With the use of a computer and internet Company’s e can make orders online without going to the store. As companies look for ways to cut down on spending money, the internet has been their biggest money saver. Companies can send emails, track orders, stored information, and download information in second. Companies and customers have befitted from technology, mangers can send emails, process reports and stats of their process or check on their phone on an order of materials or supplies which they waiting for. If a manager needs supply for a project he or she can jump on a computer and check for the nearest store that carries the supply or the needed materials. If no store carries the items they can order online and have it ship to his or her door within days. Now with cellphones having internet companies and people can make orders in hands and check on the order from their hands. When companies make an order they now can go online and track the package to see when it will arrive. The advancement in internet technology has made it easier to send, gather, share and been access the information. With the computer came the internet and out of the internet came out the social networks; such as link in, Facebook, tweeter and MySpace. With the rise of social networks companies and people can be post on the internet information, stats and company process. With social networks companies can post news or a job positions they need. Social network has made it easier to look for good workers and find jobs. Thanks to the internet life and work has been made easier. Managers can check, do paper work or see on their work process, employees even when they are vacations, their job can be done faster, more time and money efficiently. Companies can be in contact with their employees at any time of the day. With email their customers and employees can receive news about upcoming events or how work process is coming along. SMART CELL PHONES/ GPS Since the first cell phones well more like a brick phone came out, cell phones now smart phone have evolve faster with each year. Today cell phones come with videos, cameras, gps and Internet its like a mini computer. Cell phone are now smart phones since they can go online, use power points or excel and if in need of direction just push the GSP app. Yet many companies have no cell phones in the work place police, but all employees carry their phones in their pocket. Yet mangers and top CEO’s have benefit more on cell phones, with a click of bottoms a call can be made from any place in the world where there is single of course. Smart Phones have had a great impact on Project Management, besides the basic phone call and texting. The benefits are great; you can read and sent e-mails. Like that you can keep your customers updated and your working team. They have organizers and reminders. They help you keep organized with its built-in PDA. You can accomplish a lot and be on track. It gives you access to the internet so you can never be behind with information but will keep you ahead of everybody else. A lot of smart phones provide you with maps, in case you are lost somewhere. As well as traffic information, that can help you a lot with customers and important business meetings in case you are running late or you have a choice of taking a different route. It helps you keep your workers on track. Photo and video cameras are excellent for inspections and damaged material or machinery. A smart phone has a head a great impact on Project Management. GPS (Global Positioning System) The impact of GPS (Global Positioning System) Tracking on Project Management is crucial. The ability to track employees with GPS can save companies thousands of dollars each year. Increasing a mobile worker’s productivity can have a huge positive impact on a company’s bottom line. GPS started as a simple way to locate employees quickly. Now many new applications have been added to further increase employee productivity and reduce expenses for companies. GPS offers many ways to help companies: Efficiently manage your fleet. Stay in close contact with drivers and intelligently dispatch them based on their exact location, reducing delivery times and allowing drivers to complete more deliveries in less time. Improve visibility. Know where your mobile workers and customer shipments are with near real-time updates on a Web-based map. Control costs. Track drivers miles to ensure they are paid accurately. Save money on fuel and maintenance by minimizing out-of-route miles, and know where your fleet is and what they are doing. * Track drive times. Ensure compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations by tracking drivers duty status with wireless timesheets. * Reduce mileage. Get dynamic, turn-by-turn voice and onscreen directions and as while as optimize routing based on load. * Improve customer service. Accurately pinpoint fleet location and estimate arrival times. And with the efficiencies gained, you can provide customers with faster service. Also it is possible to provide call ahead service as the employee gets closer to the deliver or service job. * Control costs. Ensure workers are paid accurately and save money on fuel by reducing mileage. How does GSP work? Many of today’s cell phones/PDA has GPS built into the units. These units pick up signals for GPS satellites and can accurately pin point the device location within a few feet. Combined with this mapping software and the device now become a full mapping and routing device. This alone can save mobile works precise time by not getting lost and getting to job sites or customer appointments quicker. This data can also be easily uploaded to a database so that employers can instantly locate their employees at all times. GPS is important for: Safety – locate an employee who has been in an accident, hurt, ill, need immediate medical attention or is in some type danger. * Better customer service so you can tell a customer how close your employee is to their location. * Ability to better route employees to the next job. * Record number of miles employees has driven. * Know when a vehicle is due from service call. * Employees being more efficient with their time . GPS is also used for more accurately reporting employee time: start/stop times, lunch and breaks can all be tracked automatically with just a few pushes of the buttons on the phones. Reports tell you not only what time the employee â€Å"logged† in to work, but where they were when they started working. * Sign in and out of work job at actual job site, reducing travel time from headquarter location * Timesheet applications * More efficient way to get employees started on their day Many companies have discovered that using GPS to track their company vehicles and employees is a useful tool for saving time and money. Here are 10 companies that use GPS’s to track their employees. 1. Trucking  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Large trucking companies have tracking devices installed on all their vehicles to monitor them at all times. This helps ensure that deliveries are made on time and that their drivers are using the most efficient routes. They can also determine if their drivers are staying within the speed limits. 2. Law enforcement  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ It’s critical for law enforcement to know where their vehicles and personnel are at all times. When a crime is called in, they know instantly who is in closest proximity so they can be dispatched more quickly. GPS tracking is often used to file reports and conduct investigations. 3. Construction  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Many construction companies have numerous company vehicles used by their employees. They need to know that their vehicles are used for company business and not for personal uses. They also want to make sure their employees are where they’re supposed to be when they’re on the job. 4. Taxi service  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Dispatchers for taxi companies use GPS to know where their vehicles are so they can get the most efficient use of them. The time and miles between fares is greatly reduced and also keeps their drivers honest. 5. Utilities  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Companies that have field service workers like telecommunications and power companies also use GPS tracking on their vehicles. This makes it easier to keep track of their workers, especially those who have large service areas. 6. Fleet owners  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Any company that has a large fleet of vehicles, such as plumbers and electricians, need to track them on a regular basis. They have a lot of money invested in their fleet and want to make sure employees aren’t misusing their equipment. 7. Sales  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Businesses with field sales professionals use GPS to get driving directions and implement last minute itinerary changes. This saves time and increases productivity of their sales staff. . Delivery service  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Any business that delivers anything from flowers to packages needs to use GPS tracking to improve efficiency. Drivers no longer need to rely on incorrect or vague directions to make deliveries and owners know where their employees and vehicles are at all times. 9. Transit  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Whether its airplanes, buses or trains, transit companies rely on GPS to make sure they are on schedule. They also have automated systems that announce upcoming stops and inform passengers of the vehicles route number and destination. 10. Limousines  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Even the hospitality industry has found the value of using GPS for tracking their limousine services. This improves customer service and ensures navigable routes for their oversized vehicles. Employees of these companies have expressed privacy concerns about these tracking devices, but most are unwarranted. Businesses have every right to protect their assets and prohibit employee fraud and abuse. The cost of the GPS tracking system is far outweighed by savings to the company. Employees must be informed of the tracking policies up front and know they will be held accountable for any misconduct. GPS tracking gives employers a useful and cost effective tool to manage their fleets and workers efficiently and effectively. Interview In my sit-down with General Manger Phil of the Embassy Suites I learn the back side of the hotel. I ask one question to Mr. Phi Conclusion Finally all of these tools in technology have been a great impact for project managers as well as in every business need. Managers have learned to rely on these components. This has made their professional and personal life so well organized and planned-out. With this say and done their accomplishments will be successful! No other place but the work force has technology furnish. Work place use technology so well and so much employees and employers don’t notice. In the last tens technology has change and evolve we conduct business, from the way we commutate with each other ordering supplies, sending messages and transportations. Annotated Bibliography †¢Website McGrath, Jane. HowStuffWorks How Has Technology Changed the Way We Conduct Business? HowStuffWorks Communication Web. 01 Nov. 2011. ;lt;http://communication. howstuffworks. com/technology-changed-business. htm;gt;. Technology affects every aspect of our everyday lives. We are able to order supplies, send mail, and make a call in a matter of minutes just looking around we can see how connected we are with each other. Thanks to the Internet, anything can be delivered to house door in days. With advances in communication and information technology has changed the business and the way we commute with each other. Cnn, Jason White. Wireless Technology Changing Work and Play CNN. Featured Articles from CNN. 18 Oct. 2005. Web. 08 Nov. 2011. ;lt;http://articles. cnn. com/2005-10-17/tech/wireless. verview_1_wireless-devices-wireless-connectivity-cell-phone? With new cell phone and email technology people can be reach and contacted at any given time. Teachers can be reach by emails text or cells by students. Bradley, Charlie. HowStuffWorks How Has Technology Changed the Way We Conduct Business? HowStuffWorks Communication 13 Feb. 2007. Web. 01 Nov. 2011. ;lt;http://communication. howstuffworks. com/tec hnology-changed-business. htm;gt;. Technology advancement is happening on a daily basis, we are finding that these changes are impacting on almost everything we do in today world. Technology has also had a Huge impact on the way we work for our money in today’s workforce. Technological improvements in computers, such as using the Internet to make money, commutation, send letters has helped to change the work force. †¢Books Barnes, Juanita M. Patent Technology: Transfer and Industrial Competition. New York: Nova Science, 2007. Print. With the new technology advancement companies make new and money save choices. The US Technologies advancement is crucial and important to the economy and its growth. Showing how close they are to each other.

Importance Of The Trade Unions In Thatchers Downfall Politics Essay

Importance Of The Trade Unions In Thatchers Downfall Politics Essay To what extent was the conflict with the Trade Unions the main reasons for Thatchers fall? The conflict with the trade unions played a significant part in relation to Margaret Thatchers resignation, in November 1990, however there are other reasons which led to her fall in November 1990. The main issues that occurred were that Mrs. Thatchers hostility towards the European Union which caused division within the Conservative Party and a European diplomatic crisis and the introduction of poll tax. Mrs. Thatcher was committed to reducing the trade unions power because she believed their leadership was undermining parliamentary democracy and economic performance  [1]  . A view also shared by Walsh-Atkins who stated that before Mrs. Thatcher became Prime Minister, the Trade Unions had a high and possibly damaging influence on the economy.  [2]  Collins and Seldon state Thatcher was determined to prove that it was she and not the NUM that ruled Britain  [3]  . This shows the trade unions influence over how the country was run and Thatcher was determined to reduce the unions power. The miners strike in March 1984 was the climax of confrontation between the unions and Thatchers government. The strike was ordered without a national ballot. However, Lynch states Scargills NUM never had any real hope of success  [4]  as the strike was weakened by breakaway miners who remained at work, and the refusal of key unions, such as power-station workers, to join the struggle.  [5]  Eventually, the miners lost the British publics support due to the violence and economic crisis the strikes caused. Thatcher states The Battles at Orgreave had an enormous impact and did a great deal to turn public opinion against the miners  [6]  .Also backed by Walsh-Atkins stating polls had revealed the public to be strongly anti-Scargill  [7]  a view also supported by Lynch stating public opinion became largely pro-government  [8]  . Eventually the National Union of Miners conceded defeat and mines closed. This strike boosted public opinion for Thatchers government and improved relationships with the TUC. The Sunday Times states The memory was still fresh of Mrs Thatchers commitment to defeat with the enemy within  [9]  and that The polls showed throughout that most people rejected Scargills interpretation of what was at stake  [10]  and shows this was not the main reason for Mrs Thatchers downfall in 1990. Running Word Count: 560Mrs Thatcher had a very hostile approach to the EU, her views and entire debate on the EU was to arouse huge controversy  [11]  during her premiership, her views subsequently began to question her leadership, playing a key part in her fall in 1990. In 1986, when the Single European Act was signed, against Mrs. Thatchers policies of trying to denominate the neoliberal revolution  [12]  . Throughout her premiership, she was strongly against European integration and was determined to reduce the British contribution to the ECC budget  [13]  . In 1987 she had agreed to something that went against what she hoped for the UK  [14]  and Walsh-Watkins states other key figures in the party.were obviously moving in a different direction.  [15]  The Single European Act was to divide the Conservative Party and the country even more. Mrs. Thatcher had an out-and-out policy against advancements in European integration  [16]  ; however Walsh-Watkins stat es that what she argued for was a willing and active co-operation between independent sovereign nations'  [17]  . In October 1990, Thatcher was persuaded to join the Exchange Rate Mechanism by Lawson, Lowes and Major. It led to Black Wednesday and economic disaster on 16th September 1992 leading to Britain humiliatingly withdrawing from the Exchange Rate Mechanism in late 1992. As a result of her European policies, in 1990, her cabinet was divided over the issues including the European Community  [18]  . The relationship between the party and PM was edgy as most Conservatives didnt support Mrs. Thatchers ideas or views, commonly referred to as Thatcherism. This view is shared by Vinen who states European policy distance her from the two men who had been most influential in her governments during the 1980s Howe and Lowes.  [19]  Howe later resigned from office after Mrs. Thatcher refused to join the Euro, and Thatcher lost support as Howe was a key political figure in th e Conservative party. Howes resignation is seen as the key catalyst for the leadership challenge of Michael Heseltine à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. as well as Thatchers subsequent resignation.  [20]  This view is also shared by Seldon and Collings who state Howes departure made even loyal Tory MPs feel that perhaps she had to go now.  [21]  Howes resignation speech is seen as an invitation for others to come forward and challenge her  [22]  This speech was seen by many Conservative MPs as having witnessed the undoing of the Prime Minister.  [23]  Therefore, the issues regarding Europe are seen as the main reason for Thatchers fall. Running Word Count: 1,213The introduction of the poll tax, or community charge, in 1990 created civil unrest in Britain. Mass riots occurred in Central London on 31st March 1990 and support for the government dropped significantly when opinion polls were showing 2% support  [24]  Conservative MPs joined the demonstrations against setting poll tax limits and against poll tax generally. As demonstrations unfolded, speculation developed for the first time about Thatchers position as leader  [25]  . This view is also shared by Charmley stating the poll tax riots had echoes of the Peasants Revolt of 1381, which threatened to dethrone the Monarch; there were echoes of that in a contemporary situation, too, with Mrs Thatcher now cast in the role of Richard II  [26]  . One of the PMs closest advisors, Nigel Lawson, hated the idea of poll tax because he believed it put people into the tax system  [27]  rather than taking people out and Michael Heseltine walked out of the cabin et on another issues minutes before it was due to endorse the poll tax  [28]  . Heseltine later voted against the implementation of poll tax in England. After the implementation of poll tax, Vinen states Sir Anthony Meyer announced that he would challenge  [29]  Thatchers position as Prime Minister. He became anti-Thatcher due to Mrs. Thatchers anti-Europe views. Michael Heseltine also launched a leadership challenge against Mrs. Thatcher but lost by 52 votes (204-152) but Gibson states in the actual election contest Europe became relegated to a minor role and domestic issues, especially the poll tax, emerged as much more important  [30]  and thus the leadership challenge led to Mrs. Thatchers resignation and therefore shows that poll tax was the main reason for Mrs. Thatchers resignation in 1990. This view is reinforced by Lynch who states this created fury in the country at large, provided a cause around her opponents rallied and alienated some of the Conservative Part ys staunchest supporters  [31]  this is evident as Gibson states in the parliamentary by-elections in Eastbourne, where the Conservatives had a majority of 16,923 in 1987  [32]  , the Conservatives lost the by-election to the Liberal Democrats on a 20% swing  [33]  . Lynch further states that the poll tax was to destroy her position  [34]  as PM, along with Britains relationship with Europe, Gibson also states that could the government, in this case, simply made a mistake?  [35]  thus showing that questions about Thatchers leadership was under question therefore, shows that poll tax played a big part in Mrs. Thatchers resignation later on in November 1990. The Falklands War was a pivotal moment in Thatchers premiership, putting Britains foreign relations to the test and Vinen states that Sir Henry Leach  [36]  the most senior Royal Navy officer said that if Britain didnt re-capture the Falklands, Britain would be living in a very different country whose word means nothing  [37]  which implies that Foreign relations would become complex. When Britain declared war with Argentina it caused a diplomatic crisis, with the EEC and United Nations giving its support to Britain, announcing economic sanctions against Argentina  [38]  , straining Britains foreign affairs. However, when Britain reclaimed the Falklands Mrs. Thatchers support was at its highest and Baker states by transforming the spirit of the nation the Falklands war also transformed the spirit and fortunes of the Government  [39]  therefore, the outcome of the war helped Mrs. Thatcher to win the 1983 elections. This view is supported by Sergeant who states the succ ess of the Falklands War helped produce a landslide for Mrs Thatcher in 1983.  [40]  Lynch agrees stating The reward for her leadership during the Falklands crisis came in the 1983 election  [41]  therefore, clearly showing that the Falklands War was not behind Mrs Thatchers downfall in 1990. Running Word Count: 1,909To conclude based on the evidence, I think that the conflict with the trade unions was not the main reason for Margaret Thatchers fall and that the introduction of the poll tax, in 1990, was the cause of her fall.

Market Entry Strategies of Wal-Mart

Market Entry Strategies of Wal-Mart Founded in the year 1962, by Sam Walton, Wal-Mart was a single discount store in Rogers situated in the state of Arkansas. Then the growth of the Wal-Mart chain of stores has been tremendous. Initially the chain consisted of 9 stores amounting to a total sale of 1.4 million US dollars and the growth exploded with a overall sale of 118 billion US dollars in the year 1998 and the number of stores amounted to over 2,316 stores. The company also includes discount stores, warehouse outlets offering deep discounts, the whole sale club, supercenters of Wal-Mart. The success story of Wal-Mart is unique in the history of retailing and this success could greatly be attributed to the dynamic leadership of Sam Walton. Its innings in the international arena started when the company inaugurated a store in Mexico in the year 1991. Then the international chain kept on expanding to many nations like Argentina, Canada, Germany, South Korea and Brazil. By the year 1998 the number of international store s of Wal-Mart alone amounted to over 600 and these stores generated a revenue of over 7.5 billion dollars (Wal-Mart Annual report, 2008). The lines of merchandise of Wal-Mart is inclusive of electronics for consumers, goods related to sports, house wares, items for the lawn and the kitchen, apparels, paints, hardwares, items for repairing the automotives and their maintenance, games, grocery, toys, fashion items for homes, goods related to other types of maintenance activities. In the region of the United states, the company plays an important role in the generation of jobs and the number of jobs created by the company amounts to over 800, 000. Apart from this the company is also involved in the supporting of many types of manufacturing jobs in the US and this is being facilitated through the campaign called America first (Wal-Mart Annual report, 2008). International presence of Wal-Mart The company is involved in the serving of over 179 million people in one year and it also possesses over 2 million associates all over the world. The number of stores possessed by Wal-Mart numbers to over 7, 343 and its Sams Clubs are also present in over 14 markets. Hence it is not surprising that it is the biggest retailer in the whole of United States. From the year 2002 the company has been topping the list of fortune 500 list and in the year 2006 it was pushed to the second place, next only to Exxon- Mobil due the rise in the price of oil in that year. In the year 2008, the annual revenue generated by Wal-Mart was over 378 billion dollars (Wal-Mart Annual report, 2008). Hence the company continues to be successful in many nations exploiting the human resources as well as the other resources in the nations. Its idea is to capitalise on the strategy set by the company for global expansions and the present targets of Wal-Mart are the big nations with huge human resources like Russi a and India (Newsweek, 2007). There are lot of strategies employed by the company and it has had a huge impact on the local culture of the retail in every nation it has occupied so far. The major strategies that are used by the company before it ventures into another company are as follows: Establishment of partnership with the organisations and business that are present locally Working in close association with that of the governments of the states and nations Trying to exploit the flourishing purchasing power of the people in the middle class (Newsweek, 2007) Strategies for global expansion The strategy used by Wal-Mart at the multinational level is being modified in such a way that it becomes the transnational strategy and the key aspects of this strategy includes response at the national level, operations at the international level and also taking lessons from the operations that are being conducted on a global scale. The aim of the company in following such an approach is that it should become the best choice for goods that are low cost in the United States as well as the whole world (Fishman, 2006). As the company is basically a retail company it stresses on the concept of orientation of the consumers by acquisition as well as distribution of goods at a low cost and at the same time facilitating learning on a global scale by the process of decentralisation, tackling competition over the borders and by sharing its acquired knowledge. But still in the global business arena, the company is relatively new and on its way to become a leading player. The stress placed by t he company on the concept of national response has to an extent, brought about reductions in the operational efficiency of the company because it was not able to accomplish economy of scale which is enjoyed by the customers when it comes to the products that are standardised. The company is involved in the formulation of blueprints for the managers when it comes to the strategies which they are supposed to follow (Coleman, 1999). According to the needs as well as the culture of the people there is a high level of adaptation and the company has its location which is proximal to its market. The company also shows a lot of sensitivity when it comes to individual needs of every nation and also responds in an appropriate manner to these needs. There is also close contact and co-operative working shown by the company with the respective government so that every rule or legislation that has been passed by the government could also be taken into account while designing the strategies. The company is also involved in a lot of community works by provision of sponsors for the student community and contributes its share to the welfare of the people in the nations where it has its operations. Success factors of Wal-Mart Each of the stores operated by Wal-Mart is from that of the product being stocked by the company which would move towards the equipment at the front end and this would go a long way in helping checkouts in a rapid manner with the philosophy set by the company in place- provision of goods at low prices every day and at the same time providing customer services that are of top quality. Hence the added advantage of the low costs is that the expenses incurred in organisation of promotions for sales could be cut down to a large extent. Moreover the predictability of sales also increases. The company firmly believes in the system of cross docking inventory system and hence has invested a lot in the same. The process of cross docking has led the Wal-Mart to attain economies of scale and this has in turn brought about considerable reductions in the costs that are incurred for sales. In the system followed by Wal-Mart, there is a continuous delivery of the goods to the stores in a time of max imum two days and at times there are no requirements even to inventory them. Hence the shelves of Wal-Mart are refilled faster than four times of the existing competition in the market (Thomson, 1998). This is a particular advantage possessed by the company when it comes to competition. The power of buying of Wal-Mart is leveraged by means of purchasing in bulk quantities and also the company takes care of its own distribution. Hence every day low prices are guaranteed by the company and hence it has become a one stop shop. Hence at present the company owns stores in a variety of companies like argentina, mexico, brazil, Canada, UK, Korea china and also in Germany (Nelson, 1999). Single business strategy The major reason behind the success of Wal-Mart lies in the fact that the company believes and concentrates on the strategy of single business. This is the strategy that has been providing the company with success over a period of over 30 years. In the three decades the company has never believed in the concept of diversification for the sustenance of its growth and also its advantages at the competitive level. Hence the services provided by the company and the low prices offered are the major reasons behinds its success. The concentration on one particular strategy also poses a threat to the company because it is equivalent to place all the eggs in one single bucket (Richter, 1998). Supply chain, distribution The competitive advantage gained by a company depends on the efficiency existing in the system of operation of the company and also on the degree of efficiency of the supply chain. The chain of stores owned by Wal-Mart is highly successful only due to the ability of the company in the distribution of the merchandise from that of a huge network of distribution centers that are modern and are in turn served by means of truck fleet that is private. Wal-Mart has also been highly efficient in the maintenance of a good position in terms of the instock and also in the filling of the shelves that are in the new stores being established by the company every year. This is evident from the fact that though Wal-Mart has increased its sales by 30 in a time of two years, there was only a 12 percent increase in the inventory value at the cost of replacement in the same period of time (The Bay Area Economic Forum, 2003). Hence the strategy of leveraging a chain of supply for the purpose of restricti ng of the growth of the inventory continued to be followed by the company and during the first quarters resulted in a 14 percent increase of the inventories and a subsequent 3 percent increase in the inventories. Wal-Mart was also highly efficient and capable of investing in distribution capacities that are new and particularly this is true in case of the foods sold which is one of the areas responsible for a major portion of the growth shown by the company. The first centre for distribution of food by Wal-Mart located at Clarksville is only 10 years and there are twelve other centers for food distribution which are very new (Economist, 2006). WAL-MART IN INDIA Wal-Marts entry into India The nation of India is very different from the other nations in many ways. Being aware of the historic challenges and changes that have shaped the nation, the Indian government as well as the private sector existing in India have been taking rapid steps for the better shaping of the retail sector that is evolving at a rapid pace. Hence the changes taking place in the sector of retail should be considered keenly by the retailing giants. In the structure of the Indian retail transformations are continually being introduced and it is expected that the retail sector would grow towards 635 billion dollars by the end of the year 2015. The growth of the Indian population compounded by the escalation in the disposable incomes of the people of India is the basis for this boom in the sector of retail. Particularly the retailing of food is experiencing growth by leaps and bounds and the Grocery and Food segment contributes to around 60 percent of the whole of the market of India (Franklin 2001) . It was in the year 2005 that Wal-Mart began to look for ways to venture into India.. This was possible due to the decision of the Indian government to relax the regulations pertaining to the opening of foreign direct investment in India. The initial plan of Wal-Mart was the launching of whole sale stores in the country by means of joint ventures by the year 2008. it also had the initial target of expanding to over 75 nations in time of 7 years. But since the company faced a lot of opposition from the Indian side, they had to hold up their plans. However in the year 2008, there were three stores opened by Bharti retail in the stated of Punjab under the name of Easy days. Sunil Mittal from Bharti also mentioned that the local markets would be the source of over 90 percent of the goods and this combined operation would also lead to Wal-Mart increase its sourcing at the global level from the nation of India. The aim of the joint venture between Bharti and Wal-Mart is that Bharti would su pply Wal-Mart with the products it buys directly from that of the agriculturists, artisans and craftsmen (Goetz and Swaminathan, 2006). The challenges facing Walmart in India India was rated as one of the top international investment destination in 2005 amongst 30 other emerging markets that were short-listed for mass merchant and food retailers who wished to internationalize (Business Credit, 2006). Compared to other countries, India is seen as a rapidly accelerating economy whose gross domestic product (GDP) is rising at an average annual rate of about 7.5 percent continuously for the past three years (Choi, 2006; Economist, 2006) while its retail market has witnessed a growth of 10 percent on average (Business Credit, 2006). It is stated that the Indian retail market with a projection of $250 billion annually, is actually the worlds eighth largest market and it is expected that this will reflect a growth of more than 7% yearly (Dutt, 2005). These factors reflect that it is the strong economic conditions of the country that draw the attention of companies such as Wal-Mart who are interested in starting operations in the Indian retail market. Despite deregulations which have seen the rapid rise of the Indian economy, the retail economy is protected from foreign competition as rules disallow direct foreign investment in this sector. The multi-brand retailers cannot invest directly in the country and are not even allowed to open and operate their own stores (Kravilanz, 2006). This rule has forced Wal-Mart to enter into a partnership venture with Bharti Enterprises, which in turn is an Indian business group that is a leader in countrys telecom sector. This joint venture between Wal-Mart and Bharti has resulted in them managing the supply chain together while it is Bharti Enterprises that will act as franchisees to conduct the retail operations (Lakshman, 2006; Mukherjee, 2006). This particular model in India that has been selected by Wal-Mart will throw open likely challenges pertaining to ownership as well as internalization dimensions of the model. This particular model is not the way Wal-Mart operates in other countries s uch as Germany and South Korea. Thus the company needs to take care that the definition of the model is in tandem with the partnership entered into with Bharti as well as the strengths that are associated with Wal-Marts classic operating model. There have been cases wherein partnerships have failed. This would require Wal-Mart not only to manage its joint -venture closely but simultaneously work patiently with Bharti. Wal-Mart also needs to protect well the huge amount of supply chain and information technology intellectual property that it has introduced in the joint venture. As far as India is concerned this is a big challenge and there is a requirement on part of Wal-Mart to comprehend in detail managing the relation in this context at least. As far as the location is concerned, the size of market undoubtedly makes India an attractive destination which however is limited by many facets that need to be managed in order to ensure success. The present population of India is more than a billion. Despite having a large population that is relatively poor, the strength of Indias middle class population is around 300,000,000 people, which makes the number much larger in comparison to the total US population (Choi, 2006; Economist, 2006). This will prove advantageous to Wal-Mart as it has a large potential to which it usually caters to. The Indian market may be large but is typically characterized by intricate variety and difference. The complexity is clearly visible by differences that exist in religion, language, dialect, value system, food habit, economic buying power, clothing selection, fabric, tradition, and access to transportation. Indeed markets in India comprise of several sub-markets. The main factor will be how successful Wal-Mart is in segmenting the market as per different facets. The ability of Wal-Mart to build merchandise that is local and its ability to locate and supply approximately 75,000 products that are usually sold in a typical supercenter will be put to test (Dutt, 2005). The standards of Indian shoppers are difficult to meet as the Indian middle class customer is usually a value-conscious shopper. This is clearly reflected in the Indian customers mindset of expecting products that meet global standards albeit at process those are Indian.

BRILLIANT MINDS :: Essays Papers

BRILLIANT MINDS Abstract Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were two of the great pioneers of in the study of Scientific Management. Two of there major writings were on Fatigue Study and Motion Study. Business scholars use many of their writings, today. Many of their results affect the work conditions in many companies. Brilliant Minds of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Frank Gilbreth was born on July 7, 1868 in Fairfield, Maine. Lillian Gilbreth was born on June 24, 1924 in Montclair, New Jersey. The Gilbreths' are considered two of the greatest American scholars in the field of scientific management. Many professional business managers use many of their writings. Many of their writings include The Psychology of Management, Fatigue Study, Motion Study for the Handicapped, Applied Motion Study, Motion Study, Primer of Scientific Management, Bricklaying System, and Concrete System. One of the great literary writings by the Gilbreths was the study of motion. Motion study is a means to permanent and practical waste elimination (Gilbreth, 1917). This work is aim to describe the work areas that motion study can be or is being applied and different methods to apply to the study. Finally, the result of the study. Motion study was mainly used in American Industry. The goal of this study was to eliminate unnecessary effort used in the industry to as low as possible. The improvement of a job task while increasing productivity was the result. The American industrial sector was used because it was expanding during this time and America needed to improve industrial techniques to remain competitive against other countries. Motion study analyzed every detailed in the operation to perform a particular task and determined the method which used the least amount of energy. An example of this research is the assembly of piece used in the production of the braider manufactured by the New England Butt Company (Gilberth 1917). After analysis using motion study there was a three hundred and fifty percent increase in production with no increase in worker fatigue (Gilbreth 1917). The analysis consisted of what is the unit of measure, the difference methods used, and devices needed. All three are needed to be in corporated to obtain a result. The use of chronocyclegraph motion devices was another method used in motion study. Chronocyclegraph devices were used in the study to formulate a precise scientific conclusion to an investigation. Clocks, temperature, and location devices was used during the study.

growaw Unfulfilled Edna Pontellier of Kate Chopins The Awakening Ess

Unfulfilled Edna of The Awakening  Ã‚   As evidenced in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, and other novels of the 1800’s, women writers of this period seem to feel very repressed. Leonce Pontellier seemed to be fond of his wife, and treated her as one would treat a loved pet. In the beginning of the story it describes him as looking at her as a â€Å"valuable piece of personal property†. He does not value her fully as a human being more as a piece of property. However, he expects her to be everything he thinks she should be. Her children also expect total sacrifice from her. She obviously feels unfulfilled in life and inadequate in many facets. She does not feel like an artist, she does not feel like a satisfied wife or mother. Since she does not feel like she has an actual life, that is why it is easy to kill herself. It is at the end when she views the sea as the rolling,endless meadow that the sees a life without constrictions. She finally feels free and at peace. The Awakening is an emotionally unsatisfying story. It is the story of a women, Edna, who tries unsuccessfull...

Oreskes Climate Change

There have been plenty of disputes regarding the infamous topic global warming, despite the fact that there is a unanimous scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. A history professor at UCSD, Naomi Oreskes, discusses this in her article, â€Å"The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change†. She begins her investigation by researching credible experts and environmental organizations, such as the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Academy of Sciences, and several others. By utilizing these various sources as evidence it strengthens her argument about the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change. In this case, Oreskes audience consists of the general public with a minimal education of high school, interested about climate change. This article is published in a standard science magazine thus the selected audience should have some background knowledge regarding global warming, otherwise it would be too complex to comprehend. She constructs three main dependent claims that convince readers in support of her main claim-that humans are affecting climate change. These three main dependent claims consist of a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, peer reviewed scientific journals, and concrete factual evidence from various corporation supporting her claims. As a result, it has allowed her to create a more persuasive argument, by using logic based data and credible sources with contextual knowledge on climate change. Oreskes clearly states there is a consensus among scientists about the human impacts on the climate regardless of what politicians, economists, and journalist disagree on. She professes that â€Å"[t]he scientific consensus is clearly expressed in the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change† (par. 2). By stating this, the author firmly addresses which side she supports and how adamant she is about this subject. Oreskes uses a credible source such as the IPCC, who have background knowledge on global warming and whose â€Å"purpose is to evaluate the state of climate science†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (par. 2). By doing so, it furthers her argument by providing readers with valid claims from a credible source who has knowledge about the subject. This also appeals to ones ethos which proves to be helpful because it serves as a defendant for Oreskes claims. Pursuing this further, one realizes that Oreskes includes evidence from scientific journals on climate change with theories proving that humans are affecting the climate as part of her strategy to convince the readers. She asserts that there are 928 articles â€Å"published in refereed scientific journals between 1993 and 2003, and listed in the ISI database with the keywords global climate change† (par. 6). This serves to support her main claim by having tangible evidence that is published from scientists who have been studding this matter for a long time, proving her statement about anthropogenic climate change. Furthermore, all scientific journals are peer-reviewed, with exceeding analysis, in order to guarantee the articles validity. This term is implied in Oreskes article, which enhances her argument with a highly credible source. The extensive amount of effort that goes through these journals describes the accuracy within them. Her argument clearly appeals to one’s logic because of the factual data presented, thus refuting any bias rooted in her article. Additionally, the author utilizes concrete factual evidence from organizations that agree with and confirm her main claim. This strategy is executed when she states â€Å"The American Meteorological Society (6), the American Geophysical Union (7), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) all have issued statements in recent years concluding that the evidence for human modification of [the] climate is compelling. This directly establishes that various industries share the same viewpoint as the author and furthers her main claim as being accurate. She communicates to readers how many different corporations all agree that there is evidence proving that humans have modified the climate in drastic ways and still are. The content in which the author’s argument is structured is crucial to the overall effect of her article. She begins with a statement describing how some feel uncertain about climate change and more specifically the disagreement about anthropogenic climate change. Subsequently, the author proves her main claim that humans are affecting climate change with supporting evidence from credible organizations. She continues to examine her gathered evidence to reinforce her argument as factual, and not merely opinion based. Towards the end of her article, she generates an emotional tone â€Å"our grandchildren will surely blame us if they find that we understood the reality of anthropogenic climate change and failed to do anything about it†, which connects her to the audience (par. ). This advances her purpose because she then asks the readers to take action and listen to climate scientists, who have tried to make anthropogenic climate change clear to the public (par. 10). Likewise, Chris Mooney, a journalist and author who evaluated the relationship between scientists and the public, discusses the similar issue about climate change in his article, â€Å"†If Scientists Want to Educate the Public, they Should Start by Listening. He begins by gathering information generated from scientists and the public to determine why most people refuse to believe scientists on such topics as climate change, vaccination, and nuclear waste disposal. He concludes with suggestions of options that resolve this communication gap between scientist and the public. In comparison with Oreskes, he uses logical evidence from credible corporations to convey his meaning and get his point across to his intended audience, which in turn makes his argument stronger and more reasonable from a readers’ perspective. Both authors contribute different views on the same problem; one establishes a gap between the public and the scientists while the other describes human based effects on the climate. Together they both further the audiences’ understanding about climate change with two different perspectives and in return they get both sides of the story instead of pointing fault to the one they don’t agree with. Overall, one can determine from reading Oreskes’ article that humans are contributing to the temperature rise in the climate. She configures her argument around this fact, stating genuine evidence from organizations such as the IPCC and appealing to ones’ logical senses. Throughout her article, it contains supporting data from scientific journals and experts in the fields of science. The author confidently agrees that scientists have tried to persuade the public about anthropogenic climate change and â€Å"It is time for the rest of us to listen† (par. 10). Personally, I agree with Oreskes, and believe that we should take the next step forward towards a better environment. By doing so, it will create a cleaner atmosphere for us to live in and will improve ecosystems. Everything on earth is interconnected; by bettering one aspect it creates this ripple effect that betters another. When the United States begins this march towards improving global warming, others will do so as well. This is clearly represented in both articles that the first stage towards a better environment involves humans taking action.

Crown Cork and Seal Essay

What are the most significant factors affecting competition in the metal container industry? The U. S. Metal can industry was valued at $12. 2 billion 1989. There were five firms dominating this industry at that time constituting 61% of the entire market share. Some significant factors that impacted the competition among these firms were : Competitive Rivalry within the industry: The major players in the metal container industry comprised of 61% of the market share making intensive competitive rivalry among themselves. The Pricing was very competitive with little room for any significant profit margins. Focus was to enhance capacity utilization and eliminate costly changeovers wherever possible. Providing volume discounts was a common trend to attract more customers. The shrinking customer base attributed to a new low in manufacturer’s margins. Threat of new entrants : The threat of new entrants in this industry is pretty low since the major market players already dominate the existing market share. The threat for the competing companies lies in its other rivals rather than any new entrant to this specialized industry. Bargaining Power of the Customers : I feel the bargaining power in this industry for the customers was pretty high at that time. The major customers of this industry were big names like Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsico Inc. etc. The mergers and consolidations among the numerous bottling industry companies resulted in a shrinkage from 8000 to 800 major players in a matter of 9 years (1980 to 1989). The customers could easily punish the metal container companies by making frequent switches whenever there occured unsatisfactory services or steep pricing. Bargaining power of suppliers : Steel had been replaced very quickly by aluminum ever since the invention of aluminum cans in 1958. By 1989, aluminum consisted of 99% of the beer and 94% of the soft drink metal container business. The suppliers of aluminum were the largest three aluminum producers in the country. Since they were enjoying a clear market share advantage, they did not face any competition from other new players. Hence the bargaining power of the suppliers was somehow high/strong. Manufacturing Costs: The overall costs of manufacturing equipments for this industry were extremely high. The various players were striving to achieve a minimum cost structure for their peripheral equipments without hurting the production efficiency. Some firms were also shipping their old production lines to emerging countries overseas where the canning technology was not well mastered at that time. Apart from these, some other important factors were: Technological Changes, Environmental Risks, Research and Development ,Geographic location of plants. 2. What strategy does Crown Cork have for competing in this industry ? Crown Cork has been well recognized for being â€Å"owner-operators†. Their primary strategy has been to improve quality while ensuring lower costs. Their strategy revolved around cost efficiency, quality and customer service. Connelly realized that since they were a small player in an industry dominated by American Can and Continental Can, they should focus on their core competencies in metal forming and fabrication. Their main focus was to concentrate on specialized uses cans and international markets. Connelly’s new strategy in terms of manufacturing involved heavy investments in new and geographically dispersed plants. Their key attributes were high quality, flexibility and quick response to customers’ needs. They also invested in recycling a great deal and they formed the Nationwide Recyclers which was one of the top 5 aluminum can recyclers. Their strategy also involved minimum investments in R&D and rather focusing on their core skills like metal fabrication and die forming. Customer service was another crucial strategic step that Crown Cook took to compete in this industry. They had a model which ensured that any customer grievances would be routed directly to the chairman himself. These were some of the strategy that I observed in the case that Crown Cook employed to survive in this industry. 3. What advantages, if any, does a firm the size of Crown Cork have over American Can and Continental Can? How do explain the comparison shown in exhibit 5 in the case? A firm of the size of Crown Cork has some clear advantages as compared to American Can and Continental Can. The Value chain analysis provides strategic focus. Crown Cork is not interested in investing for R&D. They are able to save in millions by letting go off this expense. Rather, they can rely on their close competitors to take the risk in terms of R&D and learn and capitalize on their mistakes. Also, being a comparatively smaller organization, their overall organizational challenges and obstacles are much less. Their response time to customer needs and product innovation is very quick. They have the freedom and leverage to specialize on their core tin products and have no need of much experimentation. Exhibit 5 represents these major observations: The net sales figures of Crown Cork are much less compared to American Can and The Continental Group. Even the gross profit margins for Crown Cork is lower when compared with the other two major giants. However, the operating income is much more economical (because of its size) in case of Crown Cork. This is also due to the absence of any acquisitions or mergers for them. But, the return on assets and return on average equity is similar to the other two companies or even better for some years. This is mostly due to their smaller overall size and also near-zero investments in R&D and also their economical operations expenses. 4. What recommendations would you make to the management ? Go into the plastic industry. It was high time they started expanding their horizons and exploit future markets. * Should consider bidding for a part Continental Can. * Focus on enhancing efficiencies in plants – may consider implementing just in time techniques. Improve marketing budgets and encourage an overall marketing approach. * Continue with their existing customer-centric model. * To survive and compete in the long run, they should start investing atleast a small percentage of revenue into R&D. * They might consider hiring external consultants to seek industry related advice.

Counselling Case Study Essay

Let me introduce Bandara. Bandara has been working as the number two in a medium sized organization for ten years. It has always been intimated that when Jeremy his boss retires or leaves, Bandara will slip into the number one position and lead the organization. Barry has always had some clear ideas on how he is going to take the organization forward when Jeremy is not there; ideas that have not been taken up in the past. Life being perverse, it had been decided to advertise the job externally and guess what? A better candidate came up who has now been in post for three weeks. Bandera’s new boss is a great guy, very friendly and supportive . . . but, he is not Barry. Barry has been to a counsellor for few sessions. Today is a new session. Counsellor: â€Å"Well Bandara, your new man is now firmly in position, so how does that leave you?† Bandara: â€Å"Adrift, de-energized, de-motivated, thwarted, un-trusted, rejected, passed over. Does that sum it up?† Well what an outpouring of emotion. This guy is in real trouble. Counsellor: â€Å"Can I add another one – rejected?† Bandara: â€Å"Of course that says it all. But I am clearly not as good at this job as I thought I was and that makes me feel insecure and uncomfortable. They have chosen this new guy over me – after all I have done here it does not seem fair. In fact, life does not feel fair at all.† How is this for a good counselling challenge? Which one of those key words above should our counsellor pick on first? Which of these is getting to Bandara most? What, if our counsellor mines deeply enough will help Bandara pick himself up and start regaining his customary enthusiasm? Counsellor must not be judgmental here, so he will ask Bandara. Counsellor: â€Å"Bandara, you have used a lot of what could be described as emotional words here, can you pick out one that really stands out? If you look inside yourself, what feeling are you seeing, feeling or hearing?† Bandara: â€Å"Phew that is not easy. My mind is going round and round with all these feelings. What did I do wrong, I ask myself constantly?† Counsellor: â€Å"So what did you do wrong?† Bandara: â€Å"I took it for granted that I would get the job; that I was the best man for it; that I knew so much about the organization that I was indispensable; that I had such great ideas that I was the obvious person for the job.† Counsellor: â€Å"Bandara, did anybody else in the organization know anything about these ideas of yours? Have you discussed them in the past?† Bandara: â€Å"Well, no. They were always at odds with the fundamental direction that we were going so did not raise them.† Counsellor: â€Å"Despite the fact that you had not discussed this openly, do you not think that over a period of 10 years, somebody would have got an inkling of your views?† The counsellor is digging and digging here, not letting go and is on the point of getting Barry to understand for himself some of the reasons why he may not have been picked for the job. Bandara: â€Å"Ummm, never thought like that. I a funny sort of way, thinking about it now, I have always been at odds with the culture here, despite that fact that I have been praised and rewarded for my efforts many times. Thinking about it that there has always been conflict in my sub-conscious and I had not realized it until now. The question is . . . what . . . how . . . well, oh dear I have got some very difficult resolving to do.† Counsellor – let the silence do the heavy lifting again. Bandara: â€Å"It makes sense that somebody here would have had inkling about my thoughts – ten years is long enough for people to do that. Oh dear, I may have shot myself in the foot here and been my own worst enemy. Wow, what a horrible realization.† The counsellor has done a great job here. A few questions have got Barry to look at and inside himself and he has come up with his own self diagnosis. Bandara has also moved from his â€Å"old brain† into the analytical part of his brain thus removing the emotion for him. The coach dilemma here is that having enabled Bandara to take himself apart metaphorically, it is necessary to allow him to get himself back together before the end of the session. Counsellor: â€Å"Bandara, if I were in your position, what would you advise me to do?† Well done again counsellor. Getting an objective view on this. Bandara: â€Å"Well that is simple. Think through the ideas you have always had, refine them and get them out of your head and onto paper (or a Word document). Not too long. Do not spend too much time on it and keep it very brief – an overview. Arrange to see the new number one, preferably off site at a neutral venue, and tell him that you have always had these ideas but never shared then and you would now like to share them and if anything was that good, maybe the organization can adopt them. You will either get an acceptance, in which case you will achieve what you have always wanted or you will have a debate as to what can or cannot be adopted and you will have at least cleared the air for yourself.† Counsellor: â€Å"So Bandara what are you going to do?† Bandara: â€Å"Crafty – you have got me to resolve my own dilemma. Clearly, I shall take my own advice and do just what I have recommended. Thanks sir. I have gone from tragic to magic as Walt Disney would say and it’s all down to you. Thanks.† Not crafty, just a great counselling session. The counsellor was faced with what appeared to be a somewhat intractable problem which was solved by some excellent questions and techniques. Would you have handled this in the same way, or is there a better way? Instructions to students 1 Read the case individually at least twice 2 Try to answer the following questions a) What is Counselling? b) What are the skills required for a counsellor c) What are the stages of a Counselling Session? d) What are the differences between directive counselling and non directive Counselling e) What are the lessons from this case for a new counsellor? 3 Discuss your findings with the sub group members. Be prepared to make an oral presentation on your findings 4 Write the assignment and submit same before the due date. It is advisable to attach a copy of this document to your assignment