Impact of technolgy on social relationship Essay

Impact of technolgy on social relationship - Essay Example Technology has helped develop the social relationships in the time and age of today. This has been apparent with the recent advancements that have been made on the world of Internet, the propagation of the mobile technology and other mediums. What has happened in essence is the culmination of a number of forces, all of which come under the aegis of technology to bring success towards the realms of the people, which has essentially turned the tide their way. One must understand that technology is indeed for the betterment of the people at large and this is a great way to bring them together on a single platform – a zone from where they can exploit the best out of their strengths and the potential opportunities. This paper discusses the significant pointers related with the role of technology playing its due role within the building up of social relationships. The argument has been raised and the points have been stated for clarity and comprehension. The impact of technology on social relationships is such that it poses as a huge risk on the flip side of the coin. If this technological basis falls down, there would be immense problems for the stakeholders, who would receive utmost at the hands of the ones who are the movers and shakers of these technological ranks. The social relationships are bring documented and expanded upon by the different platforms which are available under its fold – like the social networking websites which include Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and so on (Dickson, 2000). These Internet-based social networking websites and software help the people to remain connected in a number of different ways. They interact and communicate with one another through commenting on statuses, putting up unique statements, posting pictures, sharing workspaces and so on. What this does is to bring together a collective vision – a vision that helps the people to grow and manifest their truest basis in the long run. They come to know a great d eal about each other, find out about how they live their lives, and basically come in close contact with one another. The social relationships are such that technology brings about the very best in them. The technological domains link up the people in a number of ways because they enclose within them the respective areas of social growth and development through the different manifestations of the society. There is a dire need to understand that social relationships would continue to rule the roost in the times to come and technological linkages would only boost up the same in the future. The social relationships usually come into the consideration when the people feel that they are hard done by on the time notion. They lag behind in the race to meet deadlines, and the best possible route to attain contacts with one another is through the use of the technology. This is made possible by social networking tools like Facebook, Twitter and so on, as well as instant messaging software lik e MSN, Yahoo!, ICQ and others. In essence, there is a great amount of interaction that is taking place on a round the clock basis, which has been witnessed within the related domains (Mosley, 2011). The impact of technology is such that the social relationships can only bolster the ties amongst the people and make them stay connected for days, months and years. There is no set time limit for them and this is remarked as a definitive positive without any doubt. What is most important is to understand that the use of technology does not hamper in the building up of their collective vision, and that they get to know quite a good deal about the happenings taking place on a global level (Ahmed, 2011). This and many other facets are quintessential towards comprehending the domains of the social relationships that have been taking place over a period of time now. The world of Internet has only facilitated in this entire process. What it has however done is to bridge the gaps that have exis ted amongst the different generations

Edgar Allen Poes Essay Example for Free

Edgar Allen Poes Essay From the very first line written in the Cask Of Amontillado; The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. We are thrust into a ride, much like one you might find at the amusement park or the carnival, with the distinct difference that although this ride is in fact on rails, how it will affect us and how we will interpret the events during is completely up to us. Edgar Allan Poe does a remarkable job of employing several psychological techniques in his short story The cask of Amontillado , but I will only focus on one, which even by todays standards is flawless. The technique is the mystery. Who is Fortunato? What has he done to Montresor that has caused so much emotional and psychological damage? Obviously the answers to these questions will elude and intrigue the audience. So we are instantly on the hook. To find the answers to these questions we must avert more of our attention and interest to the piece at hand. Poe, now with our utmost and full attention, begins to plunge us into the mind of his protagonist. Not so by simply introducing us to Montresor but instead by showing us his actions, his thoughts, his mannerisms. He accomplishes this by exposing us to Fortunato and the conversations between them that will ensue. On the surface Montresor seems like a normal man with no ill will. Although quickly we begin to learn otherwise. My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking today. So begins the series of dialogues Song 2 and conversations that would appear to be like any other had by two good friends. At first Montresor is nothing but amicable, he compliments his good friends on his looks, dress and even praises his good taste and reputation. And yet some fools will have it that his taste is a match for your own. The audience now fully engaged in the story though the methods of mystery, curiosity and perhaps even endearment or empathy for Fortunato continue to delve deeper into the event unfolding before our very eyes. Just as the protagonist and the antagonist begin to descend upon the catacombs and the halls of the Montresors manor, so does the conversation and the dialogue taking place between them. We will go back; your health is precious. you are rich, respected, admired , beloved; you are happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We are now beginning to be exposed more openly to the sociopathic ways of our protagonist; Montresor. Willingly and cheerfully guiding our poor and still at the moment helpless, Fortunato , as he is still under the spell of Montresor. When we finally arrive to the depths of the catacombs the reader is now aware that some horrible event is bound to ensure, but the conversation and the presentation made by the writer has now fully invaded the reader. Little by little inch by inch as we descended down through the catacombs, we have been made more anxious, more uncomfortable. Now all the built up tension that has been gathering is ripe for the telling. Pass your hand Is the cue that signals the reader. We are here, this is where our journey has been leading you, here is the end. Over the wall; you cannot help feeling the nitre. It is then that Poe unleashes his Single effect all done with a fine attention to detail. The message is clear. you are now here, you will go nowhere, this is where you will rest. Presumably after achieving his single effect the reader will sense a series of emotional responses; ranging from fear to terror to relief. Relief that the built up tension and anxiety has now been released. The rid e has finally come to an end and it is now time to go home and think upon the emotions you have felt here today.

Comparing the Journey in Little Prince, Siddhartha, and the Monkey God :: comparison compare contrast essays

The Journey in Little Prince, Siddhartha, and the Monkey God      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Have you ever realize that there is something incomplete in your life, both on the outside and from within?   Whatever that may be, you have something in common with the main character from each of these works: The Little Prince, Siddhartha, and The Monkey God.  Ã‚   All three works are about someone sensing something is missing and thus sets forth on a "journey" to fill in that hole.   The Little Prince, from The Little Prince, sets on a journey to find out how to love and what he learned was more than love, it was the aspect behind taming.   Siddhartha, from Siddhartha, left his life filled with riches and pleasure to seek nirvana and riddance of the "Self." And finally the half human, half monkey, from The Monkey God, sets on a search to learn how to respect and maturity to fully utilize the powers he held as a god.   All three works are totally different in environment, characters, and time setting, but they all have one similar goal; to find and complete their quest.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Little Prince's journey to find out how to love grows from the missing link between his flower and him.   But he learns that love comes from taming which he has never heard of.   Starting from the comfort of his home on Asteriod-612, he left to travel far and wide to seek the meaning of love.   Having the opportunity to meet many people, he learns something from each and one of them.   The king represented the evil of totalitarianism, the conceited man represents one of the evil aspects of human, the tippler showed the sorrow and pain a person can hold, the businessman showed how a person can possess greed, the lamplighter represents loyalty, one of the good sides of human being, finally meeting the geographer, the Little Prince learns curiosity and hard work.   But meeting all these people still haven't gave the Little Prince what he wanted yet.   He finally trampled upon Earth, where he will soon find what he is looking for.   The first person he met on Earth was the snake, a symbol of evil and deceit.   But the Little Prince was not alone as he also finds the narrator who will be his

Religious Renewal and Sexual Masochism in Batter my heart, three person

Religious Renewal and Sexual Masochism in "Batter my heart, three person'd God" In Donne's Holy Sonnet, "Batter my heart, three person'd God," themes of religious renewal and sexual masochism are abundant. While religious renewal is clearly the front-most, and most clearly defined meaning of the poem, the poet's choice of words and subtle analogies leave the poem wide open for speculation in sexual meaning. That John Donne was a preacher, the fire and brimstone, evangelical ringings of religious renewal in this poem are well founded. A man's soul, invaded by Satan's sin, must be purged by whatever means necessary by God's force. Donne associates his corrupted soul with that of an "usurp'd towne," invaded by an enemy (Satan), but "to'another due," (the Trinity). He asks God to break the impurity by force and to beat his soul clean and into repentance. While this all makes sense on the first level, there are many dualities, and sexual undertones present in the poem. Several words in the poem contain multiple meanings, further promoting the mingling of the sacred and profane throughout the poem. Particularly towards the end of the poem, these words help to justify what the reader might have guessed at earlier in the poem. 'Enthrall,' for example, used in the sense of something God does to the poet, can mean 'to hold or capture, enslave', (having a negative connotation) or 'to hold spellbound by pleasing qualities' (having a positive connotation). This makes unclear, or at least arguable, Donne's attitudes toward the emotions involved in being taken by God, as well as the possibility of pleasure found in a sexual act being described. Another, 'betroth'd,' usua... ... beating of the poet by God. "O'erthrow mee,'and bend / Your force to breake, blowe, burn and make me new," while again implying that the poet is a woman (God having to bend his force-phallic reference-to break the woman, an expression used in the taking of a woman's virginity), indicates an act of sexual violence. "Untie, or breake that knot againe" paints a picture of bondage, as does "imprison mee" and "enthrall mee." The last line, "Nor ever chast, except you ravish mee" implies the rape of the virgin, having chastity no more after being ravished, or raped. Either way you look at this poem, in the religious or sexual sense, it is powerful and controlling. Donne intertwines sexual connotations with religious renewal and the ridding of sins from the body. He has made sure not to support either reading too fully, leaving both open to speculation.

Mcdonalds in India – Case Study

WALMART Group GMITE – Batch 6 Abhishek Agrawal Ajit Varghese Brijesh Chauhan Karthikeyan Palani Manendra Jain Nalukurthy Rajeshbabu Satish kumar Dosapati Sushma GN McDonald's India A Locally Owned Company: McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with more than 33,000 locations serving approximately 64 million customers in 118 countries each day. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women. In India, McDonald's is managed by two Indian entrepreneurs. Amit Jatia, Vice Chairman, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. owns and spearheads McDonald's operations in West & South India. Hardcastle Restaurants was appointed Development Licensee for McDonald's in India in 2010, a progression from Joint Venture partner. Vikram Bakshi, MD and Joint Venture Partner, Connaught Plaza Restaurants Private Limited, owns and operates McDonald's in North and East India. Celebrating over 15 years of leadership in food service retailing in India, McDonald's now has a network of over 235 restaurants across the country. Local Sourcing Is Key for Truly Indian Products: McDonald's India is committed to sourcing almost all of its products from within the country. Prior to its launch, the company invested six years to develop its unique cold chain, which has brought about a veritable revolution in food handling, immensely benefiting the farmers at one end and enabling customers to get the highest quality food products, absolutely fresh and at a great value. McDonald's India today has developed local Indian businesses, which can supply the highest quality products required for its Indian operations. Respect for Indian Customs and Culture: McDonald's worldwide is well known for the high degree of respect to the local culture of each market it operates in. In line with this respect for local culture, India is the first country in the world where McDonald's does not offer any beef or pork items. McDonald's has developed a menu especially for India with vegetarian selections to suit the Indian palate and has also re-engineered its operations to address the special requirements of vegetarians. Special care is taken to ensure that all vegetable products are prepared separately, using dedicated equipment and utensils. This separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products is maintained throughout the various stages of procurement, cooking and serving. So much so that the mayonnaise and soft serves are also 100% vegetarian and McDonald's uses only vegetable oil as a cooking medium in India. An Employer of Opportunity: McDonald's India is an employer of opportunity, providing quality employment and long-term careers to professionals across the country. The average McDonald's restaurant employs 60-80 people from crew to restaurant manager. McDonald's invests in its employees, leveraging world class-training inputs to create ambassadors of the brand and creating food service professionals with global attitudes. The brand currently has over 8000 employees in India. Quality, Service, Cleanliness & Value McDonald's is driven by the philosophy of Quality, Service, and Cleanliness & Value for Money. This translates into a commitment to provide customers high quality products, served quickly with a smile, in a clean and pleasant environment at an affordable price. This effectively means that the McDonald's menu is priced at a value that the largest segment of the Indian consumers can afford while at the same time ensuring that quality is not sacrificed for value – rather McDonald's leverages economies to minimise costs while maximizing value to customers. Major issues ? NUTRITION Type of high fat, low fiber diet promoted by McDonald's is linked to serious diseases such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The sort of diseases that are now responsible for nearly three-quarters of premature deaths in the western world. McDonald's respond that the scientific evidence is not conclusive and that their food can be a valuable part of a balanced diet. Some people say McDonald's are entitled to sell junk food in exactly the same way that chocolate or cream cake manufacturers do: if people want to buy it that's their decision. But should McDonald's be allowed to advertise their products as nutritious? Why do they sponsor sports events when they sell unhealthy products? And what on earth are they doing opening restaurants in hospitals? ? Ecological Sustainability Vegetarians and animal welfare campaigners aren't too keen on McDonald's – for obvious reasons. As the world's largest user of beef they are responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of cows per year. In Europe alone they use half a million chickens every week, all from windowless factory farms. Is it acceptable for the food industry to exploit animals at all? Again, McDonald's argue that they stick to the letter of the law and if there are any problems it is a matter for government. They also claim to be concerned with animal welfare. ? Deep Market Penetration In order to grow McDonald’s needs to expand to other cities and towns in India rather than concentrating in Delhi. Mumbai & few other cities, For expansion to succeed, McDonald’s can no longer depends on its processing & distributions centers in and around Delhi & Mumbai, Given India’s poor transportation and road facilities, the logistic bottleneck of transporting food item from one place to other will add to the cost of its products, it needs to build new processing & distribution centers in other cities for operational efficiency, this would require additional investment and cost can not be easily passed on to the consumers. Price increase is the last thing that McDonald’s can afford if it wants to succeed in India, Already for most of the people McDonald’s is associated with high proices. ? Adaptability of portfolio towards local needs Given India’s fragmented regional culture where no single food preference predominates, McDonald’s need to develop new product on regular basis. Developing new products adds complexity & cost and raises the risks of errors. It also runs counter to McDonald’s culture and history. Yet if McDonald’s does not do it on regular basis, Company’s popularity will be short lived. It will be difficult for company to meet the range of different competitors, most notably the homegrown food chains which offers a variety of products at reasonable prices. ? CULTURAL SENSITIVITY( I feel this is a major issue) India is country with varying cultural diversity. The diversity reflects in eating habits with majority of population is vegetarian still a section of people with non-vegetarian food preference. India is land of spices. Indians like spicy food and prefer satellite joints as roadside food stalls. Usually home cooked food is preferred and dining out option is primarily reserved for special occasions. The food habits are also driven by the religious sentiments. In May 2001, a class action lawsuit1 was filed against the world's largest fast-food chain McDonald's, in Seattle, US. The lawsuit alleged that the company had, for over a decade, duped vegetarian customers into eating French fries2 that contained beef extracts. Minor issues ? ADVERTISING McDonald's spend over two billion dollars each year on advertising: Using collectable toys, television adverts, promotional schemes in schools and figures such as Ronald McDonald the company bombards their main target group: children. Many parents object strongly to the influence this has over their own children. McDonald's argue that their advertising is no worse than anyone else's and that they adhere to all the advertising codes in each country. But others argue it still amounts to cynical exploitation of children – some consumer organizations are calling for a ban on advertising to children. Why do McDonald's sponsor so many school events and learning programs? Is their Children's Charities genuine philanthropy or is there a more explicit publicity and profit motive? ? ENVIRONMENT One of the well-known and sensitive question about McDonald’s is: are they responsible for the destruction of tropical forests to make way for cattle ranching? McDonald's say no. Many people say yes. So McDonald's sue them. Not so many people say yes anymore, but does this mean McDonald's aren't responsible? They annually produce over a million tons of packaging, used for just a few minutes before being discarded. What environmental effect does the production and disposal of all this have? Is their record on recycling and recycled products as green as they make out? Are they responsible for litter on the streets, or is that the fault of the customer who drops it? Can any multinational company operating on McDonald's scale not contribute to global warming, ozone destruction, depletion of mineral resources and the destruction of natural habitats? Recommendation for Growth New Business Channels – Home Delivery, breakfast, extended hours and Drive-Troughs. As per estimates, home delivery can increase store sales about 15% and drive troughs by 50%. Attract College Crowd (Youth) – Similar to KFC â€Å"StreetWise† menu, which offers products to college students at affordable price. Employees and Customers – In India, McDonald’s employ 5,000 people and serves half a million customers a day via its 169 family restaurants. McDonald’s has 85,000 employees and serves 2. 5 million customers a day in the UK. Local Vegetarian Menu: In India, McDonald’s does not offer pork or beef-based products. Its menu is more than 50 per cent vegetarian. The fast food retail chain has separate production lines and processes for its vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings. McDelivery Online – In India, McDonald’s first launched home delivery of meals in Mumbai in 2004. McDonald’s now has plans to launch web-based delivery service in India (across 75 McDelivery cities) in 2010, a pilot for which has already been tested by it in Hyderabad. The company hopes to add 5 per cent to sales via Web delivery. McDonald’s web-based delivery model will be based on serving the customer quickly wherein the drive time does not exceed seven minutes because its food has to be eaten within ten minutes of preparation. The footfalls in India are amongst the highest in the world, but the average bill is amongst the lowest. At present (March 2010), Domino’s Pizza (operated by Bhartia Group-promoted Jubilant Foodworks under a master franchise agreement) has a 65% market share in the home delivery segment. MFY (Made for You) food preparation platform – MFY is a unique concept (cooking method) where the food is prepared as the customer places its order. All new upcoming McDonald’s restaurants are based on MFY. This cooking method has helped McDonald’s further strengthen its food safety, hygiene and quality standards. McDonald’s has around 10 MFY restaurants in its portfolio.

Caregiver vs. Caretaker

Caregiver vs. Caretaker Caregiver vs. Caretaker Caregiver vs. Caretaker By Maeve Maddox A reader wonders about the difference in meaning between caretaker and caregiver: It seems to me that they should have opposite meanings. Is there a difference in usage? Although â€Å"to give† and â€Å"to take† describe opposite actions, caretakers and caregivers both mean â€Å"people who provide care and attention.† Caretaker has been in the language since the mid-1800s. Its earliest meaning was â€Å"one who takes care of a thing, place, or person; one put in charge of anything.† Here are two early examples of the usage given in the OED: The souters wife..was servant to Gilbert Brown..and..acted as nurse and care-taker to Agnes his daughter. (1858) The caretaker of the house met them, hat in hand. (1859) Caregiver is a newcomer that entered American English in the 1960s and migrated to British English in the 1970s. It means â€Å"a person, typically either a professional or close relative, who looks after a disabled or elderly person.† Caregiver can also refer to a parent, foster-parent, or social services professional who provides care for an infant or child. According to estimates from the National Alliance for Caregiving, during the past year, 65.7 million Americans (or 29 % of the U.S. adult population involving 31 percent of all U.S. households) served as family caregivers for an ill or disabled relative. In modern usage, caretaker is sometimes used with the same sense as caregiver, but it’s more commonly used with these two main meanings: 1. noun: a person who looks after property: Alan John, caretaker at Buckholme Towers School in Lower Parkstone for 17 years, died in June this year at Forest Holme Hospice. St. Louis looks to overhaul Soldiers Memorial, find new caretaker 2. adjective (or attributive noun): designating a government, administration, etc., in office temporarily: CAS Coovadia, the MD of the Banking Association of South Africa, has been appointed as the caretaker CEO of Business Unity South Africa (Busa) while the business organisation looks for a new CEO. Bulgarian president names new caretaker government A group of people being looked after by a caregiver is called a â€Å"care group.† An individual being looked after by a caregiver may be called anything from â€Å"Mr. Jones† to â€Å"Momma.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:85 Synonyms for â€Å"Help†Using the Active Voice to Strengthen Your Writing9 Forms of the Past Tense

Foe or Friend essays

Foe or Friend essays There was onceWhen I first enrolled for this class, I had no idea that we would discuss topics that effect everybody in the class in one way or another. This class is good because it allows each student to debate where he or she stands on a subject. Every aspect that we covered will impact my life. The movies we watched gave us an opportunity to listen, watch, and take in the experiences of others. The journals were windows into the thoughts and feelings of the students that the professor looked into to monitor the students progress. And it was relaxing to sit in a comfortable chair while we learn. For me, the most important subject that we covered was persona that the media gave off as being the ideal girl or the perfect guy. The media portrays them as having a tiny waist and ample breast or six pack with bulging muscles. Like when we discussed what the opposite sex is looking for in each other, I went home and made my own list: and then compared to my girlfriend. ...

Popular sovereignty vs. democracy essays

Popular sovereignty vs. democracy essays Imagine a world full of chaos and disorder, where people do what they please with no regard to those around them. Imagine a society where only the strong survive, and the weak are left to wither in the dust. Imagine trying to live in this world, trying to succeed in this place where you are constantly competing with others just to survive. It would be next to impossible. Such an environment would exist without government. As humans, we are motivated by our own self-interests. Rarely will we make an effort that is not ultimately done for the indulgence of our own self-interests, and we almost never take the time to think how it could possibly hurt others. To us all that matters it the satisfying of our own pursuits. With this established, it becomes understandable why we have institutions and rules that coordinate how we interact with one another. These mediated relationships serve to help us peacefully and successfully live with one another. In Leviathan, Hobbes raises the question of how can societies of individuals live together without destructing that civilization. It is a question that has besieged civilization for centuries and has been the topic for intense debates. Hobbes argues that there must be a governing body or Sovereign who will rule the state and protect the people from violence, fear and aggression. He concludes, The only way to erect such a Common Power, as may be able to defend them from...the injuries of one another...is, to conferre all their power and strength upon on Man, or upon an Assembly of men that may reduce all their wills... Hobbes theory is still true, if not more pertinent, for us today. Looking at the size of the societies we live in it is naive to think that we could ever be able to come together as a whole to make laws. One could of course ask that if we have no government why should we have any laws in the first place, and my answer would be without laws there w...

Marketing on the web in terms of marketing for e-commerce business Term Paper

Marketing on the web in terms of marketing for e-commerce business initiatives - Term Paper Example This paper analyzes the term ‘marketing on the web’ in terms of marketing for e-commerce business initiatives. In this competitive business world, e-commerce and e-business are becoming an essential part of business strategy and a powerful catalyst for profitable business development. Additionally, the use of latest information and communications technology (ICT) based tools in business has changed the way businesses communicate with their employees and customers. In addition, the incorporation of information and communications technology into the business improves the business performance, encourages superior customer contribution, facilitates mass customization, and minimizes business expenditures (Schneider, 2006) and (Andam, 2003). In this scenario, internet marketing can be an important tool for the businesses. The marketing using internet is referred as internet or web based marketing. Normally, this term is used to explain the methods through which companies make use of WWW (World Wide Web) in an attempt to promote their businesses, their products or services (SRS Solutions, 2011). Additionally, with the emergence of latest internet supported tools and technologies, differences between customary marketplaces and the worldwide electronic markets such as business capital size, among others are slowly being lessened down. In this regard, business promotional strategic positioning is the other name of competition. Normally, it is the capacity of a business to make a decision regarding new opportunities as well as make use of the required human capital abilities (like that intellectual resources) to put together most of these openings in an e-business policy that is trouble-free, realistic and viable according to a worldwide information environment and recent economic situation (Andam, 2003) and (Schneider, 2006). In this scenario, internet presents unique benefits to the companies for their marketing arrangement; however its basic purpose is to distribute company’s information and media at a minimum price. Seeing that, what it offers to the businesses in scenario of communication demonstrates that now business communications are speedy as well as time-saving. Additionally, internet marketing incorporates both innovative aspects and technical features, consequently websites with great artistic merit and functionality are born (SRS Solutions, 2011). Objectives of Internet Marketing Currently, electronic marketing or web based marketing is turning into a large set of business components that can be used by an organization to increase its earning, despite the nature of the business, whether it works online, moderately online, or totally offline. In fact, it totally depends on a company whether it utilizes internet marketing as an element of a company’s marketing strategy or not, however in general, internet marketing is becoming a most significant fraction of almost every company's marketing mix. Additionally, ma jority of online businesses choose internet marketing for the marketing of their products and services. Fundamentally, internet marketing is used to perform one or more of the following tasks: (Duermyer, 2011) To distribute a company’s information regarding itself, its services, or its products online. To perform research to understand the nature (preferences, demographics and requirements) of old and prospective clients. To market and sell services, products, goods

The benefits and negatives of hiring temporary workers Essay

The benefits and negatives of hiring temporary workers - Essay Example In this study, several items will be considered while analyzing the cost effectiveness of temporary workers. First, an overall analysis of the benefits as well as the drawbacks of temporary workers will be presented in comparison to the hiring of full-time employees. The presentation of this analysis will demonstrate that hiring temporary workers is, in fact, more beneficial for companies when trying to cut costs. Temporary workers allow for companies to adapt to fluctuating markets, and give them some control in an economy that has not provided much earning incentive. In order to resolve this and to adapt to changing times, temporary workers can be hired and maintained by companies for as long as needed. Skilled contingent workers are included in this study. While skilled contingent workers are often paid more than other temporary workers, and often more than full time workers as well, their use still allows the company to save money. This is because they are usually brought on for short term projects, and then released when the projects are completed. The large salaries or hourly wages earned by skilled contingent workers thus will end, and the company can return to normal expenditure. There would therefore be no need to bring on another full-time employee to handle certain skilled situations that are needed for specific periods of time only, and this has helped to keep costs down for many companies. This study examined three companies throughout a one year, four quarter period. Costs were analyzed and determined as the companies transitioned into using more and more contingent workers. The results of this study demonstrate that companies achieved cost-cutting results that increased every quarter for each company that participated in the study. Therefore, this study helps to prove that temporary workers, whether skilled or not, can be used to help cut the costs of company finances. Results Who are the Temporary Workers Just as employer demand for temporary workers increases during times of uncertainty, many workers seek temporary employment due to transitory or uncertain circumstances. Such workers might include teachers and students out of school for the summer or other vacation periods, or persons entering or leaving the labor force gradually. Women and young persons are more likely than others to experience these transitory conditions. Therefore, it should not be surprising that there was a disproportionately high concentration of both groups employed by temporary help supply agencies in May 1985. Almost two-thirds of the industry's work force were women, in contrast to their 2 of 5 proportion of all wage and salary jobs. This difference clearly reflects the benefits offered to many women by the temporary help supply service industry, particularly the combination of flexible work schedules and the opportunity to acquire needed experience and job market exposure. In addition, the industry has a large number of administrative support jobs, and a disproportionate number of women are traditionally employed in such clerical positions.Women with family responsibilities are particularly attracted to temporary employment because it provides the flexible work schedules that allow them to reconcile work outside the home with family commitments. Women who reenter the labor force after a long absence may prefer temporary jobs until they are able to find suitable permanent employment. Employment through a temporary help supply agency enables them to test the market by sampling a range of work environments until they find the right employment situation. At the same time, temporary employment allows these workers to acquire needed skills and experience while building confidence and increasing their

Service Management 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Service Management 1 - Essay Example Due to the holistic nature of a project brief, following the brief assures the client of the project meeting his vision. Additionally, as the brief deals with the process as well as the product, adherence by all participants during the construction process prevents deviation of the project in terms of either methodology or specification. Adherence to brief also allows benchmarking for the project, and sets higher standards for all contractors involved. Prestige: The prestige and pride associated with a project has to inculcated by the project management team to motivate all actors to perform at their optimum during the process. A high level of personal pride translates to a better site, with a multi-disciplinary non-adversarial approach to problem solving and work completion. Such an atmosphere reflects positively on the project, and assures the client throughout the project of the competence and motivation of the team on site. Profitability: The objective of profitability of the project is a cornerstone of a successful project, and the client's needs can be met only if at every stage of the project, every possible method to value-engineer the project is used to cut costs and increase profitably for the client. Constant monitoring of these methods and their quantifiable results should be presented to the clients, so as to assure him of the teams' endeavor towards meeting project goals and deliverables. Expectations: At the onset, every client has certain expectation from the project in terms of process and product. These expectations should be crystallized by the project management team during the design and planning stages so as to meet actual possible execution targets. The contractors and consultants should also be made aware of what the client expects from them so that they can streamline project procedures and operations to meet the client's expectations. Quality: The first step towards assurance of quality is an objective assessment of the competence of the contractor and the CDM coordinator. All stakeholders in the project need to decide the specifications of all deliverables in the project and make sure that standards are met. When the client is confident of the quality of his team's work, he is able to perform his duties better and contractors have relatively lower number of problems with payments and external interference during work. Time: All projects are economically and functionally viable only if

Conflict in the school Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Conflict in the school Systems - Essay Example It is possible that parents will be ready to accept the democratic model of school education, but at the same time they will express dissatisfaction with different concrete things (Robinson, 2000). Or, on the contrary, parents may consider the main task of school education to be the development of children’s love for freedom, in the development of their personal potential, realization of their creative abilities, but the school offers the system of tough routine study. The conflict of values can occur between a teacher and school administration or between children, especially in the high school (Richmon, 2005). The conflict of values is the conflict, which can’t be resolved by any psychological means. The conflict of values is the controversy which can’t be resolved in open confrontation as every person has a right for his/her own hierarchy of values. In resolution of conflicts of values much depends on the school leaders. Some researches find the way out in values based leadership model â€Å"values and conflict will continue to remain contentious issues of challenge for administrators but the adoption of a values based leadership model could assist school leaders to succinctly define the realities of their very complex role despite the challenges. The values-based model has tremendous potential and possibilities to transform the existing face of educational administration provided it is seamlessly integrated within educational organizations to become the new standard of successful and meaningful leadership practice† (Zupan, 2012, p. 184). Certainly, the discussion of various values is necessary, but if it is impossible, the only way out is to organize the collaboration of people with the same values. It is necessary the parents should have the opportunity to appear in school where there are teachers with the same values. Teachers’ staff should also consist of people

Feasibility Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Feasibility Report - Essay Example This trend is supported by the increasing demand of the tablets from the emerging markets around the world. In the study, many people revealed their preference to tablets to be based on its user-friendly nature, classiness and convenience. According to Richard Shim, an analyst and a member of the team who conducted the research, consumers continuously shift towards mobile computing against the traditional notebook, a trend that has picked up well in mature markets around the world. For example, tablet PCs are expected to grow by annual average of 28% in the next 5 years within the mature markets of United States, Japan, and West Europe. The challenge for HP is to ensure it manufacture tablets that are sleek and trendy, which will resonate with the increasingly trendy consumer. In a market where internet business giants such as Google and Microsoft have taken by storm through their flagship tablets in the market, it is logical to note that any failure by the HP to embrace the tablet m arket will deal a big blow to its market share. The strategy is to ensure the company maintains or improve its 16% market share around the global consumption of PC usage. Problem statement: While many tablet manufacturers have concentrated their tablet market share within the established or rather mature markets, HP has not involved itself in the manufacturing of tablets despite the growing trend in the tablet PC usage around the world. Companies such as Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and Google have consolidated their market share in the tablet PC manufacturing, leaving HP still struggling with its notebook PCs. A point to note, however, is that many of these companies only focus their products towards mature markets. This trend leaves the gap in the emerging markets, which are expected to grow in equal measure in the projected year. HP can take a leap into the emerging markets, which seem to be catching up with the established markets in the tablet PC usage on a daily basis. However, this should not mean that HP needs to ignore the mature markets, which sets trends for the emerging markets. The company, however, can develop cheap but classy tablets to match the buying trends in emerging markets. A proper study, however, will be needed to ensure a pricing criteria, design and consumption trend is established. The goal of this study is to establish the consumption trend, both in the mature as well as emerging markets. Methodology: The research will largely be an internet based, and phone calls. This study will involve web searches on what customers of competitors say on online forums, design online questionnaires, as well as feedback forms for HP notebook users. This strategy will ensure that information about the established and emerging markets are defined, the customers’ behaviours, and the future business prospects of both markets. This research will include acquiring of products information, analysis of the existing brands, profiling of the users psych ology, and geographical information. Document Specification: Project description Windows 8 application has been used by different firms in enhancing both their mobile and tablet applications. This has been the case through combination with other apps to suite needs of the company. For instance, PageSuite is one of the firms that have integrated Windows 8 with other applications to suite

Conflict in the school Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Conflict in the school Systems - Essay Example It is possible that parents will be ready to accept the democratic model of school education, but at the same time they will express dissatisfaction with different concrete things (Robinson, 2000). Or, on the contrary, parents may consider the main task of school education to be the development of children’s love for freedom, in the development of their personal potential, realization of their creative abilities, but the school offers the system of tough routine study. The conflict of values can occur between a teacher and school administration or between children, especially in the high school (Richmon, 2005). The conflict of values is the conflict, which can’t be resolved by any psychological means. The conflict of values is the controversy which can’t be resolved in open confrontation as every person has a right for his/her own hierarchy of values. In resolution of conflicts of values much depends on the school leaders. Some researches find the way out in values based leadership model â€Å"values and conflict will continue to remain contentious issues of challenge for administrators but the adoption of a values based leadership model could assist school leaders to succinctly define the realities of their very complex role despite the challenges. The values-based model has tremendous potential and possibilities to transform the existing face of educational administration provided it is seamlessly integrated within educational organizations to become the new standard of successful and meaningful leadership practice† (Zupan, 2012, p. 184). Certainly, the discussion of various values is necessary, but if it is impossible, the only way out is to organize the collaboration of people with the same values. It is necessary the parents should have the opportunity to appear in school where there are teachers with the same values. Teachers’ staff should also consist of people

Strategic Operation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Strategic Operation Management - Essay Example Zara has three major product lines, for men, women and children. It has a creative team consisting of sourcing specialist, designers and personnel for product development. The creative team of the company work on products for the current season and they are also engaged in selecting product mix and fabric for the products. Two basic collections are prepared by Zara every year that are the winter/fall collection and the summer/spring collection. The designers of Zara showcase their designs in renowned fashion programs and shows too (Zhelyazkov, n. d.). There is enormous workload of 1000 new design and fashion every month, which is managed by development and design team of 200 employees in Zara. All these employees work from their headquarters that is Spain. This signifies that every individual produces 60 different styles per year, which means approximately 2 styles in every week. This speed is maintained at every stage of product development, which catalyses the retail sales by 200,0 00 – 300,000 in a year. Though this process followed by the company is certainly not cost-efficient, but it is compensated through the high margin on the product (Dutta, 2003). The unique selling proposition (USP) of Zara is that it can take its designs from drawing board to the retail stores around the world in a span of just two weeks. The designs are initially sketched and dedicated through the Computer-aided (CAD) system, with the help of which samples are made by the skilled workers who are working within the design facility (Ferdows, 2003). All the sewing operations take place in the factories owned by the company. The product development structure stated in Figure 1 below is helpful in understanding the product designing and development or production process (Zhelyazkov, n. d.). Figure 1: Product Development Source: (Slack and Lewis, 2002, p. 247) Product development process involves input of operations resource, which includes developing capabilities and rapid change in technology. Moreover, considering the market requirements also play significant role in this process, this is what Zara actively does (Slack and Lewis, 2002). The product development phase beings with market research. This is combined with visiting universities campus and other venues such as discos for observing the fashion trend of the young leaders, sales reports and daily feedbacks (Dutta, 2002). Apart from this, significant investment in information technology and different communication infrastructure has been availed by the company for gathering information on customer demand. The sales managers and associates have customised handheld computers for informing the headquarters regarding daily sales report on real-time basis. The garment styling starts as soon as the designing team receive calls from stores regarding the needs and the team forecast the future demands with the help of these calls. The commercial manager sits with the designers to forecast design demand, fabric , cost and selling price (Dutta, 2002). Resource and Process implications In this section the sources and the processes would be discussed. The fabrics required in the company and other inputs are purchased from external suppliers. There are purchasing offices of Zara in Hong Kong and Barcelona. Apart from this, there are also sourcing personals in Spain, but Europe has been always the top

On a personal experience of cultural adaptation Essay Example for Free

On a personal experience of cultural adaptation Essay Adaptation, originally as a biological concept, is an alteration or adjustment in structure or habits, by which a species or individual improves its condition in relationship to its environment. Every creature on the earth, including human beings, has the essential and innate capacity of adapting to the outer environment. That is on the level of biological adaptation. The evolution of human beings makes them outmatch all the other creatures to develop their own language and culture, which is unique only among themselves. At this time, the adaptation of human beings could not only be confined in the scope of biological one. Cultural adaptation, at this point, is necessary and indispensable for the further development of human beings. The significance and importance can be represented especially when the cultural contexts or environments have changed no matter it is a change of international, intercultural, interethnic, inter-religion, or inter-region, etc. The term â€Å"microculture†, the counterpart of â€Å"macroculture†, can refer to a social group that shares distinctive traits, values, and behaviors that set it apart from the parent macroculture of which it is a part (Gollnick Chinn, 1998). The identity of microculture can be based on traits and values of different ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic region, place of residence conditions, and so on, among which, geographic region and place of residence will be what I give my focus on in this paper. The change of geographic region and place of residence will evoke the change in psychology and behavior to adjust and adapt oneself to the new environments. 2. Cultural Adaptation 2. 1 Cultural Adaptation versus Biological Adaptation Human beings, like other living creatures in the world, also have biological and psychological needs. Other animals fill their needs primarily through biological adaptation, for example, a lion uses speed and sharp teeth and claws to capture and eat its prey. However, our human beings develop forms of knowledge and technologies that enable them to get the necessary energy from the environment and make life more secure. This knowledge and technology forms a core of culture that can be passed from generation to generation and group and group, so human beings adapt to their world culturally (Nanda Warms, 2002). Cultural adaptation has some distinct advantages over biological adaptation. Because human adapt through learned behavior, they can change their approach to solving problems more quickly and easily. However, creatures whose adaptations are primarily biological change slowly (Nanda Warms, 2002). Adaptation, coming being into one of the basic characteristics of culture, makes people develop to accommodate environmental conditions and available natural and technological resources (Gollnick Chinn, 1998). Culture, in fact, is the way human beings adapt to the world (Nanda Warms, 2002). 2. 2 The Definition of Cultural Adaptation From the aspect of sociology and anthropology, cultural adaptation is the long-term process of adjusting and finally feeling comfortable in a new environment (Kim Gudykunst, 1988). Immigrants who enter a culture more or less voluntarily and who at some point decide to adapt to the new cultural context experience cultural adaptation in a positive way. Cultural adaptation, especially intercultural adaptation is broadly used in the literature of intercultural communication studies, and according to Kim, it refers to the process of increasing the level of fitness of people to meet the demands of a new cultural environment. It deals with how sojourners or new immigrants experience the distress caused by mismatches or incompatibility between the host culture and the culture of birth (Fan, 2004). 2. 3 Models of Cultural Adaptation 2. 3. 1 The Anxiety and Uncertainty Management Model This model was put forward by communication theorist William Gudykunst. He stresses that the goal of effective intercultural communication can be reached by reducing anxiety and seeking information, the so-called uncertainty reduction (Gudykunst, 1995). The uncertainty can be classified into different types. Predictive uncertainty is the inability to predict what someone will say or do. Explanatory uncertainty is the inability to explain why people behave as they do (Martin Nakayama, 2000). In fact, some level of anxiety is optimal during an interaction. Too little anxiety may convey that we don’t care about the person. Too much anxiety causes us to focus only on the anxiety and not on the interaction. This model assumes that to communicate effectively we will gather information to help us reduce uncertainty and anxiety. The theory predicts that the most effective communicators are people who have a solid self-concept and self-esteem, have flexible attitudes (a tolerance for ambiguity, empathy) and behaviors and are complex and flexible in their categorization of others (Martin Nakayama, 2000). 2. 3. 2 The U-Curve Model This model, applied to many different migrant groups, is based on research conducted by a Norwegian sociologist, Sverre Lysgaard, who interviewed Norwegian students studying in the United States. The main idea is that migrants go through fairly predictable phases in adapting to a new cultural situation. The first phase is the anticipation or excitement phase. The second phase, culture shock, happens to almost everyone in intercultural transitions. During this phase, migrants experience disorientation and often a crisis of identity. Because identities are shaped and maintained by one’s own cultural context, experiences in new cultural contexts often raise questions about identities. The third phase is adaptation. In this phase, how much of the migrants should be changed and to what degree should he or she to adapt is what should be pay attention to (Martin Nakayama, 2000). 2. 3. 3 The Transition Model Culture shock and adaptation have been viewed as a normal part of human experience, as a subcategory of transition shock. Janet Bennett (1998), a communication scholar, says that culture shock and adaptation are just like any other transition, such as going away to college, getting married, or moving from one part of the country to another. Psychologists have found that in this model most individuals prefer either a â€Å"flight† or â€Å"fight† approach to unfamiliar situations. The first preference, the â€Å"flight† approach, is to hang back, get the lay of the land, and see how things work before taking the plunge and joining in. The second preference, the â€Å"fight† approach, is to get in there and participate. Migrants who take this approach use the trial-and-error method. Individual preference is a result of family, social, and cultural influences. An alternative to fight or flight is the flex approach, in which the migrant uses a combination of productive fight or flight behaviors (Martin Nakayama, 2000). 3. Microculture or Subculture Microculture, as a counterpart of macroculture, refers to these groups which exist within the context of a larger society and share political and social institutions as well as some of the traits and values of the microculture. It can also be called subsocieties or subcultures. These cultural groups are called microcultures to indicate that they have distinctive cultural patterns while sharing some cultural patterns with all members of the macroculture and their unique patterns will identity themselves as members of their particular group. Cultural identity is based on several traits and values learned as a part of the national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic region, place of residence conditions and so on (Gollnick Chinn, 1998).

Pros And Cons Of Internet Banking Information Technology Essay

Pros And Cons Of Internet Banking Information Technology Essay The rise of the Internet has fueled an important question across the banking industry of whether it is time to renounce to the branches and provide banking products services solely over the Internet or combine clicks n bricks. The objective of the paper is to compare two business models: the click and mortar model that complements both classical branch banking and online facilities with the one that aims using exclusively cutting-edge Internet technology, the so called: pure Internet banking. Keywords: Internet banking, performance, client orientation Introduction The current global economic situation determined banks to focus on performance and on increasing the revenue brought by the existing customers. Given the context, banks tend to reorient towards the cost effective distribution channels, in order to minimize distribution costs. Probably the most important cost effective distribution channel for the banking sector is the Internet. That is why, since the rise of Internet, bankers had to decide whether it is time to renounce to the branches and provide banking products services solely over the Internet or combine clicks n bricks. Both alternatives have strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages. The set of advantages that the use of Internet might bring for banks is quite consistent. Among them (see fig. 1), we mention: the almost unlimited mobility that such channel offers to the banks clients; the multiple possibilities that exist in terms of interconnecting the Internet-based financial platforms with other systems; the reduced costs that such a distribution channel implies etc. On the other hand, the complexity and dynamism of the Internet also implies considerable risks. Internet banking products bring a high level of transactional risks, particularly if such a line of business is not adequately planned, implemented and monitored. [2] Transactional risks are mainly arising from fraud, error and the inability to properly manage confidential information. Fig 1. Internet Banking s main advantages [1] Nowadays, all Internet banking applications must meet a minimum set of security requirements, such as: communications confidentiality and integrity datas integrity and confidentiality authenticity for all parties involved in transactions protection of personal data protection against identity substitution and informations transmission under false identity protection against interception of information transferred between the client and the bank traceability of transactions business continuity for all services offered to customers prevention, detection and monitoring all unauthorized access in the system restoration of the systems information in case of natural calamities or unpredictable events etc [3] In considering the merits of branch banking, we cannot do better than remember the advice given to bankers by Mr. Rae in his excellent work, The Country Banker. He remarks that no bank ought to open a branch unless possibly for the following reasons: 1st. It should be advantageous for the customers of that bank. 2nd. There should be a possibility of new business being obtained. 3rd. That the branch may act as a connecting link to other branches. Possibly the greatest use of branches is that they find an outlet for surplus capital. Thus if money cannot be employed to advantage at one branch, yet there might exist a demand for capital at another, and consequently none of the resources of the bank remain unemployed. If the surplus funds of a bank can always be utilised at a profit, it follows that a higher rate of interest can be given for deposits.[4] For small towns a branch is more advantageous than any other method of gaining market share, because a limited customer environment can be better served by a focused and personalized approach. Also, there is no doubt that the establishment of branches by the existing banks can be a method of preventing competition from opening branches in the same area. Above all, security issues can make customers consider that branch banking is superior to Internet banking, because there is better trust in the traditional transactional system. Body of Paper Pros and Cons of Internet banking Pros: Lowered transaction costs: Internet is probably the most important cost effective distribution channel for the banking sector, primarily due to two factors: widespread Internet access and its low costs, which minimizes transaction processing costs, and the reduction of the number of brick and mortars branches required to service an equivalent number of customers, which dramatically lowers overhead costs [5]. Convenience: Unlike a banks branch, Internet banking sites never close; theyre available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and theyre only a mouse click away.   Ubiquity: If a money problem arises while clients are out of their residence state or out of the country, they can log on instantly to the Internet banking application and take care of business-24/7.   Transaction speed: Internet banking sites generally execute and confirm transactions at or quicker than ATM processing speeds.   Efficiency: Clients can access and manage all of their accounts, including Individual Retirement Accounts, CDs, even securities, from one secure site.   Effectiveness: Many Internet banking sites offer sophisticated tools, including account aggregation, stock quotes, rate alerts and portfolio managing programs to help clients manage all of their assets more effectively. Most are also compatible with money managing programs.[6] Higher loyalty rates: Pure Internet bankers show slightly higher loyalty rates than their multi-channel counterparts. According to a study conducted in 2000 in the USA, 84 percent of Internet bankers had only one banking relationship, while 79 percent of multi-channel bankers had one relationship.[5] Younger public: Pure Internet bankers are more youthful than the multi-channel bankers. In accordance with the above mentioned study, forty-four percent of pure Internet bankers were 35 and younger, compared to 30% of the multi-channel bankers.[5] Cons: Trust: Trusting an Internet banking system is an issue for two main reasons: identity theft and operator error. If clients use a non-secure wireless Internet connection, it might not be a good idea to use online banking. Its quite easy for a savvy ID thief to view the personal information of the clients. In regards to operator error, some users worry that they might have pushed the transfer button too much, or not enough.[6] Risks: Internet banking sites bring a high level of risks, such as: operational, legal, reputational or systemic risks and even strategic risks. Internet banking does not necessary open up new risk categories, but rather accentuates the risks that any bank faces. Security controls: Security controls need special attention because of the open nature of the Internet and the pace of technological change. Specific focus areas include: Authentication-This means ensuring customers are verified and their identities established before conducting business over the Internet. Passwords, biometric methods, challenge-response systems, public key infrastructure are some of the ways of strengthening authentication. There is a growing trend towards single-sign-on applications, where the customer needs only a single ID to access his entire relationship. These increase the risk of compromise. Nonrepudiation-Banks should make certain that customers who transact on the Internet cannot later deny having originated the transactions. Using techniques like PKI (digital certificates), strong nonrepudiation can be achieved. However, legal enforceability in many countries is still suspect. Segregation of duties-As in any traditional process, segregation of duties is vital to prevent perpetration of fraud by any one individual.[7] Delays in account activation: Customers may need to face a waiting period between signing up for Internet banking and receipt of the ID and password necessary for account activation and also make other arrangements in case their access is temporarily denied because of various reasons. Also, the clients might need some time to get accustomed with the banks website and set up account information. Delays in processing the payments: Even if the Internet banking platforms can be accessed 24 hours / day, the majority of the payments are processed only within the working hours of the banks. That is why, if clients choose to pay bills online, they have to make sure that recipients are capable of processing electronic payments in time. Otherwise, it may take several days for the payments to be credited to the right accounts, which could result in accumulated late charges. Lack of official proof of payment: If something goes wrong with the online money transactions (errors, late charges etc), clients might need official proofs of the payments they did. The fastest way to obtain such a proof is by printing out a hard copy of the payment order directly from the system. Unfortunately, in most of the cases, the printings are not considered official proofs so in order to get some; clients will have to visit the nearest banks branch. Technical problems: Any system that comprises complex technology needs maintenance and it is prone to occasional technical problems. Under such circumstances, Internet banking applications might be temporarily unusable, which means that the clients cannot access their accounts. Rapid obsolescence of the sites layout: Internet banking sites change very fast. Even the largest banks, periodically upgrade their online programs, adding new features in unfamiliar places. In some cases, clients can be perplexed by such changes. Lack of human touch: There are many devotees to community banking to say that such ways to interact with a bank are not successful because people are dependent to face-to-face banking services. In their opinion, the lack of human contact is frustrating to customers.[1] Pros and Cons of branch banking Pros: Security The branch banking is less risky than Internet banking and has greater capacity to handle risks. The losses incurred by some branches may be offset by the profits earned by other branches.[9] Diversification A branch banking organization can easily diversify its sources and uses of funds among various users. It can direct funds into a market requiring financing. Deposits are received from the areas where lots of savings and loans are extended in those areas where funds are scarce and interest rates are high.[9] Large-scale operations Under branch banking system, a bank with a considerable number of branches usually processes huge financial resources and enjoys the benefits of large-scale operations. Over the Internet, clients tend to operate only with smaller amounts of money. Low degree of customers specialization Traditional banking implies less-skilled and less affluent clients than Internet banking. It is a fact that in order to be able to use Internet banking applications clients need the right technical facilities and minimal Internet and computer knowledge. Legislative stability State laws governing the organizational structure of branch banking are stable and clear compared with the legislative framework that governs the virtual environment. In terms of the internets legislative framework things can be radically different from one country to another. Specialized consultancy Community banking implies the presence of highly trained and experienced staff in the branches. This personnel is appointed to certain categories of clients and contributes directly to an increased efficiency of the bank client relationship. Cash transactions are possible Even perpetual declines in the demand for cash transactions are a reality, such phenomenon pose no real threat to the traditional methods that involve paper money. Those kinds of transactions (cash based) continue to be an important part of each and every economy. Higher rates of deposit attraction: Based on the lack of liquidity that occurs at the international level, one of the highest priority items right now for bankers is the deposit attraction. It is much efficient to attract deposits through physical branches than it is by using remote deposit capture (RDC  [1]  ) systems. Tradition: The classical branch banking is hard to compare with the Internet banking in the field of establishing close personal relationship with the customers, owing to considerations such as: the short term experience and tradition that Internet banking has; the differences in the cultural backgrounds of the clients etc. Cons: Costs bank branches are not cheap to set up. Depending on the  banks development goals and the jurisdiction the bank chooses, new branches may need to be started. Setting up a new branch may mean steep legal fees, corporate or account registration fees and in some cases banks are even required to own property (immobile) in the country in which they intend to operate. Insufficient parking spaces extensive urbanization is largely responsible for one of the most common todays problem: insufficient parking spaces in downtown and suburban areas of cities. If we add traffic congestions to it, we might find a good reason for customers to renounce visiting a banks branch. Personnel risks: The vast majority of staff in any bank is trustworthy and honest. However, banks are now beginning to realize and understand the scale of the threat posed by the small proportion of staff who act dishonestly and defraud their employer [10]. Following recent complaints, Brasov Police (Romania) applied to Credit Europe Bank a penalty of 50,000 lei and ordered to repay the stolen money to the injured clients within 15 days. It has been determined that the local director of operations, three operators and a cashier made fraudulent banking transactions on behalf of the banks clients, diverting more than 2 mil Euros in the past 7 years.[11] Insufficient specialized personnel: Sometimes, the expansion of banks in certain new locations exceeds the possibilities that the local labor markets have in terms of specialized staff. Under such circumstances banks have to headhunt local specialists, relocate internal employees or train new ones. All those solutions involve considerable costs. Conclusions The choice of whether or not to renounce to the click and mortar model of banking in favor of banking online, depends on many variables. Although the benefits of online banking are undeniable, there are some inconveniences and concerns of which bankers should be aware before making such an important strategic move. A comparative study conducted by the Research Institute of Applied Economics in 2008, over four important European countries (Finland, Spain, Italy and the UK) shows that the performance of different online banking models over the period 1995-2004 are not worse in terms of average returns to assets (or equity) than the ones obtained by the branch banking models. The study also reveals the fact that Internet banks are hard to distinguish from banks that adopt both click and mortar strategies. Country specific features appear to be more important in explaining differences across banks. That is why the researchers explain the performance of banks by a group of selected bank-specific features, but also add country-specific macroeconomic indicators and information technology related ratios. The strategic initiative of banking groups to incorporate internet banks seems to reflect some competitive edge that these banks have in their business models. The management of these banks is generally more capable of handling personnel and other costs. Personnel expenses are comparatively low, but the costs for IT are disproportionately high.[12] Others studies show that multi-channel banks draw highest traffic rates on their Internet banking platforms than the pure Internet banks, due to their off-line channels, brand awareness and existing customer base.[5] Under the same current of opinion there is a thesis according to which clients interested in value added products still prefer interaction with a physical branch. It is a fact that Internet banks need to reach a minimum dimension in order to become profitable. That is why good client adoption rate is a must for the Internet banks. Unfortunately this rate does not depend solely on the skills of the initiators but also on some external factors to the banking industry (egg: the percentage of households with access to internet at home, mass access to the specific technology, a higher broadband penetration rate etc). In terms of client adoption rates, trust is also very important. Even if the clients can see the benefits of Internet banking, they may be unwilling to subscribe if they do not trust or have much experience with the Internet. On the other hand, people may only sign up for limited services like account viewing. This will save them from safety concerns but will still give them daily access to account activity.[13]Under the circumstances, we should expect that the impact of Internet banks may not be strong enough to affect the branch banking system as a whole. However, Internet banks certainly contribute to increase transparency on specific products, like current accounts, allowing for comparisons among banks that were previously more difficult. [12]

Uses of Nuclear Radiation :: essays research papers

Uses of nuclear radiation Smoke Detectors Smoke alarms contain a weak source made of Americium-241.Alpha particles are emitted from here, which ionise the air, so that the air conducts electricity and a small current flows. If smoke enters the alarm, this absorbs the particles, the current reduces, and the alarm sounds. Thickness Control In paper mills, the thickness of the paper can be controlled by measuring how much beta radiation passes through the paper to a Geiger counter. The counter controls the pressure of the rollers to give the correct thickness. With paper, or plastic, or aluminium foil, , rays are used, because , will not go through the paper. We choose a source with a long half-life so that it does not need to be replaced often. Sterilising Even after it has been packaged, gamma rays can be used to kill bacteria, mould and insects in food. This process prolongs the shelf-life of the food, but sometimes changes the taste. Gamma rays are also used to sterilise hospital equipment, especially plastic syringes that would be damaged if heated. Radioactive Dating Animals and plants have a known proportion of Carbon-14 (a radioisotope of Carbon) in their tissues. When they die they stop taking Carbon in, then the amount of Carbon-14 goes down at a known rate (Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5700 years). The age of the ancient organic materials can be found by measuring the amount of Carbon-14 that is left. Radioactive Tracers The most common tracer is called Technetium-99 and is very safe because it only emits gamma rays and doesn't cause much ionisation. Radioisotopes can be used for medical purposes, such as checking for a blocked kidney. To do this a small amount of Iodine-123 is injected into the patient, after 5 minutes 2 Geiger counters are placed over the kidneys. Also radioisotopes are used in industry, to detect leaking pipes. To do this, a small amount is injected into the pipe. It is then detected with a GM counter above ground. Cancer Treatment Because Gamma rays can kill living cells, they are used to kill cancer cells without having to resort to difficult surgery. This is called "Radiotherapy? and works because cancer cells can't repair themselves when damaged by gamma rays, as healthy cells can.

The Pass Fail System of Standardized Tests Essay examples -- Standardiz

The Pass Fail System of Standardized Tests Standardized tests have historically been used as measures of how students compare with each other or how much of a particular curriculum they have learned. Increasingly, standardized tests are being used to make major decisions about students, such as grade promotion or high school graduation, and schools. More and more often, they also are intended to shape the curriculum and instruction. Students across America have had to repeat classes because of the way standardized tests are used to pass or fail students. Students have had to rely on just one test to pass them for the whole semester (FairTest). Although the tests require students to retain information until the end of the semester, I believe it is wrong to allow just a single test to decide whether an entire semester’s work will be rewarded will the credit that may have been well earned. Even general standardized tests such as the SAT, which almost every high school student has taken, are not fair to students who may come from a poor educational background (Standardized Minds). Students are at a disadvantage if they have test taking anxiety, a condition that many students suffer from. If a student is having a bad day or going through a rough time on a test day, this may also determine their entire semester’s work. Standardized tests are often based on one topic, giving the student little room to express their strong points. Tests are called "high-stakes" when they used to make major decisions about a student, such as high school graduation or grade promotion. Tests are called "standardized" when all students answer the same questions under similar conditions and their responses are scored in the same way. Research has shown that high-stakes testing causes damage to individual students and education. It is not a reasonable method for improving schools. Test-taking anxiety is common among high school and college students. The anxiety can be quite stressful and sometimes weakening, both personally and academically. It is a condition that thousands of students suffer from and it is something that they cannot help or overcome by the time of a test. Students who suffer from this often get very panicked by exams, and most of the time they draw a blank during a test, even though they know the material... ...n a test score. High-stakes testing punishes students, and often teachers, for things they cannot control. It drives students and teachers away from learning, and at times from school (FairTest). Assessments of educational strengths and weaknesses can be useful at the individual, classroom, school or district levels. However, information the needs to be sufficiently timely, accurate, meaningful, detailed and comprehensive for the kind of diagnosis being made. Even outstanding students with high grade point averages are highly capable of failing a final exam due to anxieties and other conditions that almost every student experiences. Although standardized tests will still be given to students everywhere, the pass fail system must stop. There are alternatives that may be taken to give every student a fair chance while still keeping the effectiveness of the tests. One possibility could be to make the final exam a large part of the student’s grade but not a determinant of whether the student passes or fails. A student who understands and learned the material over the entire semester should not have to repeat a course just because of one bad test result.

Civics essay

Kennedy once said, â€Å"ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country'. These are wise words to live by, since every person has a civic duty that they owe to their country. All Americans owe so much to their society including; obeying the law, paying taxes, and making an effort to get a Job. The government puts laws In place to ensure that the society will run smoothly, and everyone owes It to the country to obey these ms. Laws are created only to, again, further better the society.They are there to keep everyone safe, as well as give people the rights that they deserve. It is not a difficult task asked of the people, and after everything the government and other people have done for you, you owe it to them and the country to follow these laws. Taxes are something disliked by everyone. No one in the world likes to pay an excess amount of money for something they feel is useless. Although, taxes are not useless, and every American owes it to their co untry to pay them.When someone pays taxes, the money Is given to the government and Is used for many different hinges to further better our society. These things Include sidewalks, paved roads, and even teachers. Sidewalks keep pedestrians safe, paved roads are better for cars, and teachers are there to educate the minds of the future adults of America. Without taxes, we would not be able to have so many things that better our country, so every American has a civic duty to keep up the goodness and pay their taxes. Many people today have been struck with the poor luck of being let go from their jobs which is understandable.Although, every American owes it too their country to make an effort to get one. Some people that are out of work make no attempt to get a new one, but they should. It is your civic duty to make a living and contribute to the economy. The government should not have to pay for someone to live when they are capable of doing so their self. Also, when people aren't wor king for their own money, that means that taxes are raised for other working Americans so the government can afford to keep people that are out of Jobs in a stable home.So, everyone should be able to and ray to contribute everything they can for the economy. Everyone owes something to their country, they Just need to know what they have to do. Citizens should be aware of the ways they can positively contribute to their society As well as obeying the law, paying taxes, and being employed, there are many more ways a person can better their country These ways include simple things such as volunteering and even voting. Everyone has a civic duty, and it is not a difficult task to perform for your country BY Dripping can do for your country†.These are wise words to live by, since every person has a The government puts laws in place to ensure that the society will run smoothly, and everyone owes it to the country to obey these ms. Laws are created only to, pays taxes, the money is gi ven to the government and is used for many different things to further better our society. These things include sidewalks, paved roads, and today have been struck with the poor luck of being let go from their Jobs which is doing so their self. Also, when people aren't working for their own money, that means

Effective Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Tamaris Purvines Assignment Three LDR 404 07/29/2012 Assignment Three Part One There are several different processes, ideas, and efforts that go into the overall practices of effective negotiation and conflict resolution. Yet no productive negotiation could be possible without the valuable use of skills. Two types of skills can help a successful negotiator. The first type is hard skills, which are guidelines, strategic measures, or anything that can be copied down onto paper and taught. The second type is soft skills, which are the skills acquired through practicing negotiation that can’t necessarily be taught.To get a better idea of the definition and examples of each type of skill, it is better to discuss them each individually in more depth. Hard Skills Several authors have written books and articles about what methods are beneficial for successful negotiation. A great example of an author who knows a lot about effective negotiation methods that benefit both sides of the ne gotiation is Bernard Mayer. As an author of several books, a professor at the Werner Institute and Creighton University, and a founding partner of CDR associates, Bernard has a lot of accomplishments in the field of conflict.He also has been working in the field of conflict for over forty years as a mediator, facilitator, researcher, and consultant. In his book Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention, Bernard discusses in depth unique ideas of looking at negotiation that benefit negotiators. In one section of the book he mentions a way of looking at conflict that helps the negotiator determine the source of the conflict at hand. He uses the Wheel of Conflict to demonstrate various aspects of interaction, personal life, and outside forces that can be the cause of a conflict.The outer layer of the wheel contains personality, data, culture, and power. The second layer of the wheel contains emotions, values, communication, structure, and history. The inner circle, a nd final layer, of the wheel are basic needs broken down into survival needs, interests, and identity needs (Mayer, 10). When in the negotiation process it is beneficial to look at these different layers of the Wheel of Conflict to help determine the source of the conflict at hand. Being able to first acknowledge the root of the problem is a great way to start the process of working through it.Three authors collaborated on the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In. These authors are Roger Fischer, Bruce Patton, and William Ury. In this book, they describe a method of negotiation that helps keep the discussions on track throughout the entire negotiation process. The method is broken down into four parts that help keep the negotiator and the parties involved focused on resolving the issue. The first part is â€Å"separate the people from the problem† (Fischer, 19). This allows the problem being faced to be the focus of discussions rather than the people a s individuals.The second part is â€Å"focus on interests not positions† (Fischer, 42). Focusing on the position rather than the interests causes the individuals to get stuck in something they may or may not end up wanting in the end. However, if the focus is on the interests of each side, then it is possible to come to a solution that is beneficial to all sides. The third part is â€Å"invent options for mutual gain† (Fischer, 58). Obviously it is in the best interest of both parties to come up with a solution that is mutually beneficial.Finally, the fourth part is â€Å"insist on using objective criteria† (Fischer, 82). The use of objective criteria insures that no side is trying to hoodwink the other. If the information is objective, then it is impossible for one side to claim that it is unfair to their cause. Each part of this method provides a structured negotiation process that is beneficial to all parties involved. Soft Skills While the above-mentioned ha rd skills are highly helpful in aiding a negotiator in their negotiation process, there are some skills that are unable to be broken down into categories or methods.Throughout the process problems arise that are situation specific. Knowing when one party is bluffing or trying to trick the other party are skills that come with learning through experience. The delivery of statements and ideas are definitely situation specific. Discussing an issue with a church group may not be the same type of discussion that may be necessary with a theater group. Individuals respond differently to how phrases are stated. Only through working with similar groups does a negotiator learn how best to phrase their ideas to parties in any given situation.Learning how to best reframe a harsh or inappropriate statement into the truth of the statement is also a soft skill that is highly beneficial to negotiators. The only way to learn how to accomplish this difficult skill is by practicing it. It takes years of practicing and using this skill in negotiation processes to truly learn how to effectively hone it. Being able to determine the best possible solution to the problem for both parties involved in a negotiation is also something that cannot be learned. Each negotiation is going to be different and have different circumstances.Even after years of working with groups in negotiation or mediation situations, it is still difficult to help both sides create a mutually beneficial solution to their problem. This is something that almost comes as a talent to negotiators. It takes a certain gift to be able to achieve positive outcomes for everyone involved every time. Sometimes it may not be possible to come to a full solution. Maybe the situation has progressed, but perhaps the negotiator cannot take the parties any further in their differences.Whatever the case, negotiators have to have the experience to know when the right time is to be finished with the negotiation or when to keep trying . This knowledge can’t be taught or learned in a classroom. It is clear that it takes more than just book knowledge and methods to produce a great negotiator. Part Two Learning how to be an effective negotiator is a long process that requires patience and understanding. It takes time and effort to learn all the different processes, methods, and procedures that can be helpful in the negotiation process.However, no matter how much work and effort you put into learning good methods for negotiation, there will never be a â€Å"perfect† negotiation. To further understand the complications that may arise during negotiations, it is good to look into two fairly common areas that negotiations are often required in. Many challenges arise during this process whether it is in a business situation or a personal situation. Difficulties Faced in Business Many various complications can arise in business negotiations. Often times businesses are working with other businesses to determin e a solution to a problem or are defining a contract.Many of these negotiations take place in multi party discussions. It is often very easy for one party to start feeling attacked by the other party, to feel cheated of something they believe they deserve, or to communicate in a way that the other party may not understand. For example, when two businesses are trying to settle a problem, each side is trying to gain something the company needs. In this effort it is easy to start putting blame on the other party for what has taken place. When this happens it causes a lot of strain in the negotiation because the focus is no longer on the problem at hand.This can create major setbacks in the process, and cause the negotiator to have to start back at the beginning to try to show each side how they can mutually benefit from a solution if they work together. Sometimes the parties may feel as if the problem has caused too much harm to the companies, and may decide to quit the negotiation pro cess altogether. The same results can be said of two businesses attempting to create a contract. Frequently one company or the other will feel as if they are being cheated out of something that can be beneficial to them. It can also be difficult to overcome cultural differences in business.One company may base their business practices on the cultures surrounding them. The other company may do the same in a different region. When this occurs, it becomes difficult for the two to effectively communicate to each other. The negotiator then gains the task of having to interpret the differences, and show both parties how they are similar rather than different. While these are all complications that can come up during negotiations, the negotiator soon learns how best to overcome these issues and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Difficulties Faced in Personal Life Negotiations can arise within personal situations as well.While it may not be establishing a mutually beneficial contra ct, difficult situations occasionally occur in personal relationships. Relationships such as romances, friendships, and family members can encounter problems or difficult situations that require a solution. When this happens, the individuals involved enter into a negotiation. In all relationships it becomes easy to attack the other person for disagreeing, having opposing needs, or feeling neglected. As this starts to happen both individuals become negotiators for what they determine to be the truth or best solution for the situation.It is very easy for each party to feel hurt, take everything personally, and get angry. What is not easy to do is assess the situation in a calm state, and restate any negative statements into the truth of the situation. All too often individuals start saying things out of anger and hurt, and the negotiation quickly turns into a personal attack or fight. While it is difficult to focus on the needs of both sides, to keep personal feelings at bay, and work at finding a positive solution, a successful negotiator must learn to do this. ConclusionNegotiation is a process that requires lots of learning, hard skill techniques, soft skill techniques, and experience. Quite often complications arise that can deter the process or completely end the negotiation altogether. Successful negotiators learn as much as they can from mentors, education, books, and whatever other sources they may find on conflict resolution and negotiation. They then take that knowledge and apply it to then hone hard skills they can take into negotiations with them. Once they start to experience working as a negotiator, they gain the knowledge of soft skills that work for them.And while all of this takes place they constantly run into complications. However, they overcome these complications and gain knowledge from them. Throughout the process of negotiation, whether as a professional or just in everyday life, negotiators learn how to establish and maintain relationshi ps through effective communication. Works Cited 1. Fischer, Roger, Bruce Patton, and William Ury. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. New York City: Penguin Group, 2011. Print. 2. Mayer, Bernard. The Dynamics of Conflict: A Guide to Engagement and Intervention. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2012. Print.

A Road Map to Rising in the Consumer Satisfaction Index Essay

A Road Map to Rising in the Consumer Satisfaction Index - Essay Example Such an outlet could have a day's inventory of sales for each product, which could be replenished on a daily basis, and have an additional provision for special real-time deliveries from relevant plants for any products that may be out of stock. The latter should be a most uncommon incident, since time series data of sales of mature products should help us predict daily sales by product with reasonable accuracy. The second immediate step would be to introduce apron control for vehicle movement within the site, with radio communications with each driver. A person from stores could control all vehicular movement within the site, with priority for deliveries to the finished goods store which I have proposed. Each plant should receive its full bills of materials in time for every batch of production. The finished goods inventory and the provision of the bills of materials at plants can both be achieved by a standard enterprise resource plan (ERP) software. We would need to train sales, stores and production personnel to operate the ERP, and maintenance responsibility could rest with the IT function. It is a fairly well established system that does not need top management time.

Ethical Issues in Stem Cell Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethical Issues in Stem Cell - Research Paper Example In body organs such as the gut, bone marrow, stem cells can regularly divide to repair and replace worn out cells (Moore 12). In contemporary biology, Stem cell research is one of the intriguing areas due to the expanding scientific discoveries. This has raised many scientific questions as well as ethical questions (Ethical issues 23). The first ethical issue is that regarding Human embryonic stem research. Human embryonic stem cell research is one field that has generated much concern and public debates. Cells that have the capability of developing into many different cells, also known as pluripotent stem cell lines, are usually isolated from few days old human embryos. The research offers a promise and hopes for new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes and spinal injury. As new technologies and science advance, so do the ethical viewpoints and political controversies regarding these developments (Report on bioethics 17). This paper will discuss the ethical i ssues associated with Stem cell research as portrayed by various individuals and groups of people. Ethical Issues in Stem Cell Research Human cell research is connected to human cloning which is a subject of much debate currently. There is confusion in the public discourse about what an embryo is. This issue has been very critical in defining when human life starts. There are several attitudes arising from different religious groups and varying interpretations of philosophical philosophies. There are arguments in determining the rights and privileges that an embryo in early human life has. According to some people, an embryo is a living being whether it has developed human features or not. These people are therefore against destruction of embryos while retrieving stem cells. This is ethically unacceptable to their faith, but to other people, it is no big deal (Guinn 154). Those that are against human stem cell research believe that life begins after conception, at the zygote stage w hile those in favor of this kind of research acknowledge that life does not begin until a later stage of embryo development. The people supporting this research argue that the benefits to the community outweigh the apprehension for the young embryos. The Roman Catholic is one of the religions that raise questions about the destruction of the embryos. It declared that human life begins after fertilization and ends in natural death. The Greek Orthodox also follows this view and agrees that embryos are human beings. To them, taking the embryo and removing the inner cell mass is regarded as murder (Guinn 158). Protestants, Jews and Muslims support the view that life starts between fourteen and forty weeks after conception. The UK Human Fertilization and Embryology Act define this as the streak stage where further research on the embryo is not permitted. This issue is often debated on as some regard is as immoral while others think it is alright. There is a third group of paper that beli eve that the embryo deserves respect as a human being, but it is acceptable to use them in research if it is justifiable with the consent from the couple donating the embryo (Caplan 156). The opposition of stem cell research is associated with the opposition to abortion by the pro-life movement. However, not all members are against this research.