Passage from Lolita Essay

Childhood is a time of freedom, excitement, new sensations, and joy. The sensations of childhood are experiences everyone on the planet goes through, and naturally some people find themselves wishfully reminiscing on these feelings. Such sensations are examined in depth in Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita. The provided passage poignantly addresses this issue. While on its surface it appears to be merely a mellifluously worded memoir, it is actually a cleverly disguised commentary on the desire for the childhood experience. Though this is not immediately obvious, close examination of the diction of the passage reveals the central message. Nabokov includes words that accomplish several things, including evoking the magical, beautiful nature of childhood, making emotional sensations such as desire more tangible, and implying the finality of events past. Ultimately, Nabokov shows that although the sensations of childhood might be desirable, they are trapped inaccessibly in the past , no matter what one’s feelings might be. The first thing Nabokov sets out to do is establish the fantastical, magical, exciting, wonderful nature of childhood. He achieves this most notably through his careful word choice. The passage is sprinkled with words that call to mind innocence, magic, and excitement. Some words and sections, such as â€Å"nervous,† â€Å"low stone wall,† â€Å"tender,† â€Å"slender,† and â€Å"playing cards,† serve merely to establish a tone of a childish nature. â€Å"Nervous† calls to mind the tentative, curious nature of a child, while â€Å"tender,† and â€Å"slender,† both describe certain aspects of childhood that are relatively omnipresent throughout society. â€Å"Low stone wall,† and â€Å"playing cards,† each serve as examples of those things which children might enjoy. This idea of childhood is evolved further through the use of such words as â€Å"magic,† â€Å"glitter,† â€Å"fateful,† â€Å"co mplex,† â€Å"boundless,† â€Å"arabesques,† and â€Å"colored inks.† These words imply the fantastic, beautiful, and wondrous world a child experiences. The combination of these two related categories serves to demonstrate the breathtaking, brilliant set of experiences that childhood comprises of. In addition to describing childhood’s emotional makeup, Nabokov also characterizes more adult emotions such as regret, longing, and desire bordering on lust. He does this also through his diction. The eventual effect of this is a perception of the desire Nabokov’s narrator has for childhood, those ephemeral, magnificent, awesome years of everyone’s life. Significant words used to achieve this are â€Å"miserable,† â€Å"desire,† â€Å"cravings,† â€Å"motives,† â€Å"actions,† â€Å"visualized,† and â€Å"sensitive.† The words â€Å"desire† and â€Å"cravings† both serve to almost literally describe the emotional attachment Nabokov’s narrator has to childhood, while â€Å"miserable,† â€Å"sensitive,† and â€Å"visualized† tend to bring to mind a feeling of dejection and regret. In essence, the combination of these words implies the desire the narrator feels for childhood a nd its sensations; it is deep, longing, and regretful. Indeed, the regret stems from the sensation that it is something lost, locked away in the past; this is the final major connection Nabokov uses diction to communicate. To complete the statement of his message, Nabokov, through his diction, also evokes knowledge of the sensation of something that is irrevocably, impossibly, inaccessibly in the past. The ultimate effect of this final metaphorical revelation is the communication of Nabokov’s true message; that although the sensations of childhood may be good and desirable, they are forever locked in the past, inaccessible to those in the present. The words Nabokov uses to demonstrate this include â€Å"memories,† â€Å"remote,† â€Å"retrospective,† â€Å"past,† and â€Å"memory.† All of these words, particularly when taken together, rather vividly demonstrate the inaccessibility of the past. â€Å"Memories† are that which we know but are in some fundamental way lost forever, always â€Å"remote† and viewed only as â€Å"retrospective.† They are locked in the â€Å"past.† When this image is combined with the other two Nabokov so cle arly integrates into the passage, we obtain the final, big picture; that although one might experience desire for their or others’ childhood, the past is gone and ultimately cannot be regained. Childhood represents a time in every person’s life when they can be carefree and happy. Nabokov has made childhood and the desire for such sensations the central theme of his novel Lolita. This is particularly apparent in the passage provided through his use of diction to imply sensations such as childhood at its base, the magical, fantastic nature of childhood, desire and longing, and the inaccessibility of the past. His central message is simple, but sad; although one might desire the sensations of childhood, childhood is ultimately past; forgone and totally, completely inaccessible.

Social Policy on Healthcare: A Comparative Analysis of Germany, Sweden and USA

Introduction This essay aims to examine healthcare policies in the countries of Germany, Sweden and USA. A discussion on how these countries differ in access to healthcare services, funding and how they address health inequalities will be done. The perspectives of convergence and path dependence will be used to examine the healthcare policies. The first part of this brief presents a brief overview of the healthcare policies present in the three countries. The second part will discuss the key concepts and models of social policy on healthcare in these countries. In the third part, the perspective of path dependency and convergence will be used to analyse healthcare policies of the three countries. A conclusion that will summarise the key concepts and issues raised in this essay will be presented at the end. Overview of the Healthcare Policies in Germany, Sweden and USA Healthcare policies in these three countries have significant differences. The World Health Organization (2014) has stressed that access to healthcare services should be equitable. This means that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, religious beliefs, gender and race should receive the same type of care. Equitable distribution of healthcare services ensures that health inequality is addressed. The latter relates to the unfair distribution of healthcare services and health status between different socio-economic groups (Figueras et al., 2008). Those with higher socio-economic status tend to enjoy better health, have lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic and acute conditions (Figueras et al., 2008). In contrast, those in the lower socio-economic status tend to have poorer health status and are more vulnerable to chronic diseases (World Health Organization, 2014). This disparity explains the differences in access to healthcare services in both groups (Blank and Burau, 2007). These observations should be a cause of concern since good health is viewed as a fundamental right for all individuals (Reibling, 2010). Amongst the three countries, the healthcare industry in the US is regarded as the most expensive when compared to the rest of the highly developed capitalist countries (Moody, 2011). However, in terms of child mortality, life expectancy and death due to medical errors, US fares the worst (OECD, 2011, 2009; HDR, 2011). The percent of public funding for healthcare is also the lowest in the US compared to Germany and Sweden. In recent surveys (OECD, 2009, 2008; Adema et al., 2011) public funding for healthcare in the US is only 47.7%. In contrast, the government of Germany spends 76.9% on healthcare while Sweden spends 81.5% (OECD, 2009). Amongst the three countries, the US spends the highest percent of its gross domestic product (GD) as of 2010 for healthcare (OECD, 2011). In 2010, the US spent 17.9% of its GDP on healthcare while Germany allocated 11 .6% and Sweden, 9.6% (OECD, 2011). All these countries exceeded the recommended allocation for healthcare from the country’s GDP (Adema et al., 2011). Access to healthcare service also varies in the three countries. Access to healthcare is universal in Sweden while Germany exemplifies the quasi-universal with compulsory insurance (Baldock, 2011). In contrast to these two countries, there is a low degree of universality in the US and funding is mostly through employers of individuals (Glyn, 2006). There is also a debate on the coverage of healthcare policies in the US especially during the 2008 financial crisis where the government was forced to support healthcare of many poor, unemployed individuals (Moody, 2011). Funding of healthcare service in the US is also employer-based while insurance companies fund health service in Germany (Moody, 2011). In Sweden, taxation supports healthcare service regardless of the socioeconomic background of the individuals. Hence, most hospitals are publicly funded in Sweden while Germany enjoys a private-public partnership. In the US, private hospitals and clinics mostly provide for healthcare servi ce in the country (Greve, 2013). With focus on reducing health inequalities, the US places more importance on the healthcare needs of the poor (Glyn, 2006). Using the gatekeeping model (Greve, 2013), primary healthcare practitioners in the US screen individuals before they could gain access to publicly funded healthcare services. Only those with income levels in the poverty level, have disabilities, have very young children are allowed to access Medicaid (Greve, 2013). In contrast, patients in Sweden are referred to specialists by their general practitioners (GPs) regardless of their socio-economic background (Anell, 2012). However, there is very little gatekeeping in Germany, explaining the rich supply of doctors and specialists (Reibling, 2010). This means that there is no cost-sharing between the patients and the government when accessing healthcare specialists. Social health insurance in Germany follows the concepts of shared responsibility between the individuals and the state in funding and accessing healthcare services (Wahl, 2011). For example, Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) covers majority of the population. Employers and employees share in paying for the SHI (Reibling, 2010). When patients visit GPs and specialists, they also have to pay 10 euros for each doctor visit (Reibling, 2010). Only 10% of the population pays for private health insurance. Since patients have freedom of choice when selecting their providers, this tends to create high expectations for the quality of service offered by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. However, this create dissatisfaction amongst doctors since their fees are regulated, unlike in the US where doctor fees vary from one state to the other. There is also an observation that doctors in most European countries earn less than their counterparts in the US, fueling dissatisfaction amon gst this group (Rechel et al., 2006). While both countries have rich supply of doctors, the payment scheme for healthcare professionals greatly varies. Similar to Germany, the US has also little gatekeeping for individuals who do not belong to the lower socio-economic status. The latter could choose healthcare providers and specialists according to their preference. Sweden also has a mix of private and publicly owned healthcare facilities. However, the government fund for most healthcare expenditures (Greve, 2011). This means that even when individuals seek care in privately owned facilities, the government pays for healthcare costs. This scheme also benefits the government since this will ease the volume of patients seen in publicly owned healthcare facilities. Since there is competition for healthcare, patients have more choice on the type of healthcare provider they want to access (Kangas and Palme, 2009). All healthcare employees in both public and private-owned healthcare facilities receive salaries while patients share in the healthcare costs (Kangas and Palme, 2009). There is also a ceiling on the costs of medications. Due to the minimal user fee and healthcare cost, healthcare is suggested to be equitable (Kangas and Palme, 2009). However, there is evidence (Brown, 2008) that the long waiting list and disparity in supply and demand derai l timely access to healthcare services in Sweden. Key Concepts and Models of Social Policy in the Three Countries The impact of health and social care policies in countries are often measured by health outcomes. These include incidence of diseases, daily adjusted life years (DALYs) for burden of disease and human development index (HDI) (World Health Organization, 2014). The HDI is a critical measurement of a country’s health status since it has been shown that positive measure of health is intricately linked with human development and economic productivity (OECD, 2011). Amongst the three countries reviewed in this essay, USA ranked the highest in terms of human development followed by Germany and Sweden. The succeeding table summarises the HDI, life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling, gross national income (GNI), GNI per capital rank minus HDI rank and nonincome HDI value in 2011: HDI Rank Human Development Index Value Life expectancy at birth (years) Mean years of schooling (years) Expected years of schooling (years) Gross national income (GNI) per capita (Constant 2005 PPP $) GNI per capita minus HDI rank Nonincome HDI Value United States (rank 4) 0.910 78.5 12.4 16.0 43,017 6 0.931 Germany (rank 9) 0.905 80.4 12.2 15.9 34,854 8 0.940 Sweden (rank 10) 0.904 81.4 11.7 15.7 35,837 4 0.936 Source: OECD, 2011 As shown in the table above, the life expectancy at birth is lowest in the US but high in Germany and Sweden. Better life expectancy in the latter two countries could be due to earlier treatment of childhood diseases (Mackenback and Bakker, 2003). The funding scheme in the US might also account for disparities in healthcare (Mackenback and Bakker, 2003). As opposed to Sweden and Germany, two-third of the population in the US either has private insurance or is covered by their employers. Employed individuals also make personal contributions in addition to employer contribution for their health coverage (Moody, 2011). The scheme employed in the US has important implications in healthcare access. It is shown that approximately 46 million people in the US do not have public or private insurance (Moody, 2011). The number of insured individuals decreases as income also decreases (Moody, 2011). It has been shown that those in higher income quintiles tend perceive better health status as com pared to those in the lower income quintile. The cost of healthcare is also regulated in Germany and Switzerland as opposed to the US where there is very little containment of cost (Blank and Burau, 2007). The concept of equity could be used to explain why there are significant differences in health status in the US. The OECD (2009) emphasise that measurement of equity in health status is focused on mortality and morbidity rate for the individuals. Currently, the OECD determines the health status of a state through its life expectancy at age 65 for the elderly and infant mortality rate for children (OECD, 2008). Both life expectancy and infant mortality rate is generally lower in the US compared to Germany and Sweden (OECD, 2009). This would show that despite having high human development index, the US is lagging behind Germany and Switzerland in terms of healthcare for the elderly and the very young. The OECD (2009) also notes that healthcare administration costs in the US is significantly greater than other OECD countries. Sometimes, the costs are twice as high compared to Sweden and Germany. While doctors in Sweden and Germany have ceiling rates for their healthcare services, doctors in the US charge higher (Moody, 2011). While competition for healthcare services is present in Sweden, the competition in the US has a negative impact since it inflates the cost instead of driving down the cost while maintaining quality of care (Moody, 2011). At present, Medicaid only covers those with disabilities, the elderly, families living in the poverty level and those with very young children (Rosenbaum, 2011). Meanwhile, Obamacare or the Patient Protection and Affordable Act mandate employers to provide for health coverage on their respective employees (Rosenbaum, 2011). Those who are eligible for subsidies would be given government subsidies to pay for their health insurances. Since Obamac are pushes those who are not covered by Medicaid to private insurers, it is expected that this will create competition amongst insurance companies (Rosenbaum, 2011). For instance, these companies might offer more health coverage for a wide range of health conditions at a lesser cost. Companies might also compete on the healthcare providers available to deliver healthcare for the insurers. Path Dependence and Convergence Path dependence suggests that history and institutional context play crucial roles in the development of healthcare policies (Kennett, 2001). Once a healthcare policy, however, is established, it tends to be resistant to changes or when reforms are inevitable, it stays within the boundaries of the original policy. On the other hand, socio-economic changes greatly influence the direction of healthcare policies in the ‘convergence’ perspective (Starke et al., 2008). To illustrate, a number of countries in the European Union tend to follow similar paths in healthcare policies and integrate best practices from each nation. The convergence of healthcare policies is described as ‘positive integration’ (Starke et al., 2008). Since market competition for healthcare services are introduced in the welfare states in Europe, this creates ‘negative integration’ of healthcare policies (Starke et al., 2008). Germany’s healthcare policy tends to follow the path dependence amongst the countries in Europe. Healthcare policies in this country were established as early as the 19th century (Arts and Gelissen, 2010) beginning with the introduction of the social health insurance. Although the complexities of healthcare have increased, little have change on how healthcare service is funded and delivered. The long- standing tradition of corporatism still exists. For instance, governing boards that make decisions or negotiate terms with health care practitioners, the insurers and pharmaceutical industry are all composed of representative employers and employees (Starke et al., 2008). All those sitting in these boards are elected through democratic means. This has been practised for many years and little have changed on how governing boards are convened. On the other hand, subsidiarity is still practiced today Arts and Gelissen, 2002). This means that legislative framework is created or refor med by the government alone. Meanwhile, Sweden also follows the path dependency perspective. Similar to Germany, universal access to healthcare service has been practiced since the post-war period (Arts and Gelissen, 2002). The public through the city councils continue to provide funds for healthcare (Arts and Gelissen, 2010). It should be noted that this practice has been existence since the 19th century. However, there have been criticisms on the healthcare system in Sweden. Foremost amongst this is its struggle to cope up with the increasing demands for healthcare with low supply of healthcare providers (Van Kersbergen and Hemerijck, 2012). The ageing of the population coupled with the complexity of healthcare also pushes the national health services system of Sweden to look for innovations to deliver healthcare at a lesser cost (Van Kersbergen and Hemerijck, 2012). The challenge of meeting all healthcare demands with tighter financial resources might drive the country to look for alternative ways in funding healthcare of the people. Finally, the US exemplifies the ‘convergence’ perspective. Healthcare reforms have increased in the last 20 years with the culmination of Obamacare in recent years. This suggests that healthcare policies in the country are subject to change, depending on the political, economic and social context of healthcare. To illustrate this point, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare is currently driving more individuals in the country to purchase private insurance. This is a source of conflict in the country since coverage of Medicaid is very restrictive (Rosenbaum, 2011). Medicaid will continue to expand coverage in the succeeding years to include those with mean annual income of 40,000 USD. This suggests that healthcare policies could continue to change until a consensus is reached between the government and healthcare consumers. The perspective of convergence would suggest that countries tend to follow best practices and create policies that co uld respond to current needs. Basing on this perspective, the US is a good example of how it changes its healthcare policy to meet the increasing demands for healthcare. Conclusion Variations in healthcare policies are noted in the countries of Germany, Sweden and the US. While all countries have high HDI, they differ in the life expectancy at age 65 and infant mortality rate. These two indicators are cited by the OECD as measures of how a country exercises equity in healthcare. Sweden and Germany almost have similar life expectancy for the elderly. These countries also differ in public spending for healthcare and access to healthcare services. Sweden has been practicing universal health care since the post-war period while Germany has shifted to quasi-universal in the last decades. The US, through its Medicaid, provides universal access to healthcare services only for those with disabilities, families with very young children or based on need. Those not covered with Medicaid have to purchase their own healthcare insurance or are provided with insurance by their employers. Hence, the US only practices very low universal access to healthcare. Finally, the perspe ctives of ‘path dependence’ and ‘convergence’ are discussed in this essay. Sweden and Germany follow the path dependence perspective while the US demonstrates the convergence perspective. Finally, this brief shows that path dependence healthcare systems are faced with the challenge of providing universal access in the face of tightening budgets. Further, the US has to further expand its Medicaid or make reforms to make healthcare more equitable. References Adema, W. , Fron, P. & Ladaique, M. (2011). Is the European Welfare State really more expensive?: indicators on social spending, 1980-2012; and a manual of the OECD Social expenditure Database (SOCX). Paris: OECD. Arts, W. & Gelissen, J. (2010). ‘Models of the welfare state’. In Casttles, F. (Ed.). The Oxford handbook of the Welfare State, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Arts, W. & Gelissen, J. (2002). ‘3 worlds or more?’., Journal of European Social Policy, 12(2), pp. 137-158. Anell, A. (2012). ‘Sweden: Health system review’. Health Systems in transition, 14(5), pp. 1-159. Baldock, J. (2011). Social policy, social welfare and the welfare state. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Blank, R. & Burau, V. (2007). Comparative health policy. London: Palgrave. Brown, A. (2008). Fishing in Utopia: Sweden and the Future that Disappeared. Sweden: Grant. Figueras, J., McKee, M., Lessof, S., Duran, A. & Menabde, N. (2008). Health systems, health and wealth: Assessing the case for investing in health systems. Denmark: World Health Organization. Glyn, A. (2006). Capitalism unleashed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Greve, B. (2013). Routledge Handbook of the Welfare State. London: Routledge. Greve, B. (2011). ‘The Nordic welfare states-revisited’., Social Policy Administration, 45(2), pp. 111-113. HDR (2011). Human Development and its components [Online]. Available at: www.undp.org (Accessed: 25th March, 2014). Kangas, O. & Palme, J. (2009). ‘The Nordic Experience’. International Journal of Social Welfare, 18(Suppl 1), pp. S62-S72. Kennett, P. (2001). Comparative Social Policy. Open University: Open University Press. Mackenback, J. & Bakker, M. (2003) ‘European network on interventions and policies to reduce inequalities in health. Tackling socioeconomic inequalities in health: an analysis of recent European experiences’. Lancet, 362, pp. 1409-1414. Moody, K. (2011). ‘Capitalist care: Will the coalition government’s ‘reforms’ move the NHS further toward a US-style healthcare market?’. Capital and Class, 35(3), pp. 415-434. OECD (2011). Human Development Index and its components. Europe: OECD. OECD (2009). Society at a Glance 2009: OECD Social Indicators. Europe: OECD. OECD (2008). Are we growing unequal[Online]. Available at: www.oecd.org (Accessed: 25th March, 2014). Rechel, B., Dubois, C. & McKee, M. (eds) (2006). The health care workforce in Europe. Learning from experience. Trowbridge: Cromwell Press. Reibling, N. (2010). ‘Healthcare systems in Europe: towards an incorporation of patient access’, Journal of European Policy, 20(1), pp. 5-18. Rosenbaum, S. (2011). ‘The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Implications for Public Health Policy and Practice’. Public Health Reports, 128(1), pp. 130-135. Starke, P., Obginer, H. & Castles, F. (2008) ‘Convergence towards where: in what ways, if any, are welfare states becoming more similar?’. Journal of European Public Policy, 15(7), pp. 975-1000. Van Kersbergen, K. & Hemerijck, A. (2012). ‘Two decades of change in Europe: The emergence of the social investment state’. Journal of Social Policy. 41(3), pp. 475-492. Wahl, A. (2011). The Rise and Fall of the Welfare State. London: Pluto Press. World Health Organization (2014). Health Systems: Equity [Online]. Available at: http://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/equity/en/ (Accessed: 25th March, 2014).

Mr Taha Uppal

Strategies towards betterment for team management The research will be based on the following questions: How can we eliminate the harmful factors of staff management I. E performance appraisal? How can the employee's play an important part for the organizational success? What are the feedbacks usually received by the employer? 1. 1 INTRODUCTION TO MARKS AND SPENCER: Marks and Spencer also popularly known as M is British based clothing and food retailer headquartered in the city of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.It has more than 700 outlets located all over the United Kingdom while 300+ stores are coated all over the world. Most of them are located in the European countries, like Hungary, Greece, Czech Republic and Romania etc. Marks & Spencer is also trying to expand in the Asian markets with quite a few stores opening in India and China recently. Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer founded M in the year 1884 in a city of England, Leeds.According to BBC news, Marks and Spencer is d oing better in their food department as compared to their general merchandise as the turnover is split in 54% and 46% respectively. Marks and Spencer aims to provide a very high quality DOD to their customers, that is why, it is one of the most successful food retailers in the United Kingdom. The well known brands, which sell their products with the brand name M are Autograph, Indigo collection, Classic collection, Collection and lastly blue harbor. 1. INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Performance appraisal or performance review is an analysis of an employee's work habits undertaken at a fixed point in time to determine the degree to which stated objectives and expectations have been reached. Performance appraisal or review is very beneficial and important for the evaluation of the staff and of course for the effective management. Appraisals are of great help regarding organization's employee and also play a vital role in improving organizational performances.Formal performance appraisals are conducted every year normally in the last half of the year to review how the organization is performing and what strategies should be undertaken to improve the organizations performance. It is a straight line process for example the staff is appraised by their managers, the managers are appraised by the directors, and the directors are appraised by the Coo's who are generally appraised by the founder or the chairman of the company. 2. 1 TYPES OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: The different types of performance appraisals are formal annual performance appraisals, handwriting analysis, skill or Job related tests, informal one to one review discussions, probationary reviews, survey of opinion of others who have been dealing with the staff, counseling meetings, observation on the Job and assessment centers including observed group exercises and test presentations. 1. 2. PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL PROCESS: Performance appraisal is a process which takes place quarterly or yearly and is the process of interaction between the employees and their managers. In this process the performance of the employee is assessed, with the manager telling or describing the employees their weaknesses and strengths and also identifying the opportunities that how can the employee improve their performance within the organization. Performance appraisal is the least liked responsibility any manager has to perform.The first step which comes in performance appraisal is review preparation. In this process the manager makes the objectives that the organization wants to meet in the future. An analysis of the employees is then taken out because employees or individuals must know what the organization is expecting from them and how they can work to achieve the objectives stated by the firm. Step two in performance appraisal is the assessment. This step is all about giving the timely feedback as it has proved to be very beneficial for the organization.For instance if an employee works well to achieve an objective, the positive feedback should be given to them as soon as possible rather than waiting for weeks to let them know as it might have a negative effect on their confidence as well as performance level. Step three is reviewing communication. This is all about reviewing the past and the current performance of the employee and if the performance is not up to the mark the manager should politely explain them that what should be done to improve their performance. Step four in the process is appropriate setting.Make sure that the atmosphere where the manager is going to deliver the appraisal is very friendly and welcoming. No threats should be given to the employee as this might De-motivate them and as a result they may not be able to perform 100%. Step five in the process is delivering, for instance it Leary explains the appraisal in simple language as the usage of the code words or difficult words might make it difficult for them (staff or employee) to understand it pr operly and they may have confusion which might proved to be harmful for the employee and also for the organization.The final step in this process is encouragement. At the end of the process the manager's responsibility is to encourage the employee and boost their confidence by adding words like we have faith in you or we trust your abilities or you are capable. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2. 0 INTRODUCTION In this chapter the past and the current strategies of Marks & Spencer will be discussed and in the end of this chapter we will also give a brief explanation about how employer can improve their Performance appraisal (PA) process.There will also be discussions on the employees and the manager roles that how can they contribute for a better service and reputation of the organization. First of all we will talk about the staff management strategies of Marks & Spencer for instance, how they benefited from those strategies, what were the drawbacks of those strategies and what did Mark s & Spencer did to solve those issues or problems arising by implementing those strategies.Performance appraisal helps in evaluating the employee's performance as it gives a clear light on how an employee can improve their performance and skills. However, performance appraisal in depth will be discussed this chapter. 2. 1 THE EVOLUTION OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Sometime near World War 1, (WAD Scott) has the credit to present the world with what performance appraisal is. However, performance appraisal was known by the mid asses and became very popular in the organization or companies.McGregor (1957) also played a vital role in discussing about performance appraisal in sass's and ass's. It's a process by which the individual tries to look in the future with some valuable assumptions and to plan what should be done in the future to meet their goals. Performance appraisal helps in goal setting. In the year 1970, this process of performance appraisal became more widespread and many of th e firms started using this process in order to gain success however, by practicing this process a large number of legal cases were brought.In the years sass's and sass's the process of performance appraisal became very popular and according to Williams (1998) it improved the performance up to a certain extent and also generated motivation which is very useful for an organization. According to Fletcher (2008), performance appraisal is conducted differently in the Western and the Asian cultures however; both of these cultures use this process and are benefiting from it despite the fact that around 90% or more staff doesn't like this process. 2. 2 WHY IS PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SO NECESSARY?Questions like why performance appraisal is used in companies when it did not exist in the past and the companies were still doing great? Why is it so important to use performance appraisal? Can't an organization run efficiently and effectively without the performance appraisal system? Weiss and Buckl ey (1998) tried to give an answer for this by stating that performance appraisal is very useful because it gives an idea to the employees how can they improve their performance and also this process helps in rising their commitment towards their organization.There is great importance of performance appraisal within the firm. The organization whether small or big, private or government or any other type of firm should be exempt from having a formal performance appraisal (PA) program. PA process has benefits like improved immunization within the firm, addressing the problem and tries to resolve them through this process of PA and gives the employee confidence and boosts their morale.However, while planning performance appraisal process the employer should bear in mind that it is a slow and time consuming process and there might be some obstacles during the process which for some time may make this process even slower than expected. We can see the companies who have introduced this pro cess of performance appraisal are the ones who do the most business in their respected fields such as Ezra, Louis Button, Marks & Spencer, Gucci, Hugo Boss etc.When employees know that they are an important part of an organization and all their suggestions or ideas are valuable they even work harder so that they can get promotions or there may be an increase in their salaries and this can only be done by performance appraisal process. PA process not only identifies the training needs within an organization or firm but also identifies the hidden talent which may have a very positive effect on the firm's reputation.For instance if the staff is highly trained they are in a better position to deal with all their customers which plays a very positive role towards the success of an organization. . 3 PURPOSE OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: The most effective purpose to use performance appraisal is to improve the performance of the employees who are working for an organization. There are two most important purposes for which the performance appraisal is used one of which is maintenance of organization control and secondly to measure the efficiency with which the company's human resources are being used. Cummings 1973) however, there are other purposes of performance appraisal as well for instance it helps in improving the morale of the employees working for the organization, more importantly also identifying when does the staff or employees need training, communication improvements, counseling and setting targets which the organization aims to meet (Britton and Gold 2003-04). As discussed above performance appraisal is used to determine the strengths and weaknesses off the employees and providing them with the best training in order for them to give their best at work.However, by conducting the performance appraisal process both the organizations and the employees have advantages for example McGregor (1972) in his paper ‘An uneasy look at performance appraisal' stated that performance appraisal meets the needs of OTOH the employees and the organization however, the difference is it meets three needs in total one for which is organization and the other two for the employees or the individual. Bowels and Coats (1993) conducted a survey which was sent to 250 West midland companies in the year 1992, where the organization were asked the question on the effectiveness of performance appraisal in the organization.However, in the results they found out that the performance appraisal plays an effective role to improve the communication skills of the employees and also improves the communication between the employees and the employer which has many benefits costly in favor of the organization. On the other hand it was very useful for when and how the training is needed for a number of employees to improve their skills. However, around 90% of the employees did not favor the performance appraisal process and commented it has certainly no use and is time was ting.Many organizations want to become the best in productivity or simply want to produce more and quality products so in order to achieve all of these objectives organizations choose and introduce performance appraisal process within the organization as this is the most successful way of achieving goals such as higher productivity or lean reduction. This process of performance appraisal gives a clear direction that where the organization is heading towards or what are the goals the organization or the firm.As discussed before, it not only measures a firm's employee's performance but also gives a clear picture of an organization's performance. The example to illustrate this is performance appraisal measures the work done by the employees and also the organization on a weekly or quarterly basis. An organization can have all the information of their employees and their productivity by using this process. Another useful purpose of performance appraisal is that it gives a clear picture to the employees that where do they stand and what are they supposed to do in order to improve their skills and position within the organization.This way the organization can have a full advantage of their work force because if their employees need training, they train them and as a result the work force becomes very useful and experienced which in the long run is very beneficial for the organization as well as the employees. 2. 4 BEHAVIOR MAINTENANCE MODEL (CUMMINGS AND SWABS): The IBM model which was presented by Cummings and Swabs attempts to show owe the employees are motivated and opt to perform well within the organization.In their model they tried to explain the IBM model in four different steps. The first step in this model is goal aspirations which lead to goal attainment. When the goal attainment is achieved by the employee it gives them a sense of Job satisfaction and they become more focused on their Job and try to work even more hard. However, when the employee is satis fied with their Job they become automatically motivated towards their work which is very effective for the organization. 2. A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL IN MARKS AND SPENCER: performance appraisal give Marks & Spencer all the required information about their employees as it helps M&S to help improve their skills through training and making sure that they are capable enough for the Job they are being trained for. As most of the big companies or retailers conduct performance appraisal once or twice every year, Marks & Spencer is also one of the British companies known for conducting performance appraisal twice every year.In this process the employees get feedback from their managers about their performance and if the performance of the employees is not up to the mark they are suggested with different strategies to adopt n order to improve their performance as it is believed that the employees play the most important part in an organization's success and thus are the mo st important and effective assets of any organization like Marks & Spencer. The performance records are encouraged to use by the employees as it plays an important factor in setting up the personal objectives that support their continued development.Whenever an appraisal system is carried out at Marks & Spencer (normally takes every 12 months to conduct an appraisal) discussions are being made about the current progress of the company as well as the employees and a lot of new ideas are narrated about how to improve the concerned areas within the organization. These meetings are always done by the managers who work in M regarding their employees and are kept confidential. If any of the employees or workers at M do not perform well they are given more training and make sure that they understand how the organization works and operates.Rewards are given to the employees who prove that they are working best and the organization is benefiting from their efforts which are being put in. For instance in Marks and Spencer if the sales exceed the expected number or are higher than expected all the employees are given a bonus and also receive a bonus gift voucher of 20% which in fact plays a vital role in staff motivation. Also according to the research on motivation conducted by Frederic Taylor money is the only motivator and the only reason due to which the employees work hard to achieve their and the organization's objectives they work for.According to Taylor â€Å"If the workers were paved per item made, they would want to make more and work harder. † Marks and Spencer uses Tailor's theory by providing their employees or staff with handsome salaries as they think to keep the staff motivated paying them with bonuses and retreating them with some discount cards would be beneficial for the organization and as the staff will put in their efforts to make M a success by providing their customers a better service and by creating a friendly atmosphere in the stores whi ch obviously every customer likes.On the other hand, M also uses Herbage's two factor theory by paying them with handsome salaries but more important to note according to Herbage's theory is that M make their employees feel special and important in the business as the upper management ask for suggestion from all the employees and also providing them with the best working environment to motivate hem.As seen in the table below Marks and Spencer has got the highest reputation in the recent years as compared to their rivals such as Sad, tests, Morison, Ginsburg and Waitress and that's only done with the fair and proper selection of the employees for the Jobs through interviews and as well as the tests. By going through the process M&S makes sure that the right candidate is selected for the Job and the organization can benefit from them. 2. STRATEGIES THAT MARKS AND SPENCER USED IN THE PAST: Marks and Spencer in the past have tried a lot of strategies to improve their staff performance. The strategy which Marks and Spencer used in the past was to sell its products on discounted prices or higher sales which at one point gave rise to the sales but on the other hand when people realized the clothes designs are the same and not changing their sales fell dramatically. M&S did not emphasize on innovation but they tried to grab shopper's attention by advertising and give them great deals and high discounts on their products.Another strategy that M favored was expansion overseas as the top management thought it's the biggest opportunity to expand abroad because in that way M&S will see a rise in their sales. The main focus f M&S was to target the European markets specially Germany because in the recent years the population of Germany increased from 65 million to 80 million and also is the biggest exporter after USA with a lot of potential and industrial strength.However, firstly M&S planned to expand in Germany in the asses but later dropped this strategy because the prope rty costs were too high at that time but the main reason to drop this strategy was the recession of the German economy in asses. However in the late in asses the market position of Germany looked attractive and impressive which therefore forced M&S to expand in to the German market. Marks and Spencer also played a vital role regarding waste as an estimate states that the waste all over the United Kingdom is around 400 tones which comes from different parts of the industry such as construction, households or discharged packaging.The waste that comes out is not recycled properly and the result is landfill sites which takes many years to decompose and is also very harmful for the human health. However, the strategy that Marks and Spencer put emphasis on is that in the recent years 2010-2011 they have tried to achieve a recycle rate around 90% and also they have tried and achieved the reduction in waste by around 20%. Marks and Spencer in the year 2006-7 had 133 million clothes hangers and instead of throwing or recycling them the company used around 80% of the hangers again. 2. . 1 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IN THE GERMAN MARKET: M&S focused on expanding in the German market because the GAP of Germany is about three times higher than the United Kingdom with a staggering El 5000 billion. German consumer has a 50% higher expenditure than the Auk's market also 22% higher than France which is the second biggest market in the Europe. Inflation rate is under 2% in the Germany which attracted the Marks and Spencer management the cost to expand in the German market with expectation of higher sales which M was lacking in the United Kingdom.According to the research conducted by the well known news channels CNN and BBC M had examined the customers need in Germany for instance what exactly did the customer want and catered accordingly. 2. 7 MARKS & SPENCER CURRENT STRATEGIES: The current aim of M is to become the world's most sustainable brand by the year 201 5 and for that they are following a plan called plan A. The plan A consist about many things about how to make world a better place to live with a few things which ops the list in plan A are cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and importance on health and well being.As the world is getting more educated day by day which means people are aware of what should be done to make this planet a better place to live in and also become very conscious about environmental and also for the natural issues. This is the reason for which M&S launched plan A in the year 2010. The primary focus in this plan is to change the climate and also reducing the waste. 2. 8 EVALUATION: As discussed in this chapter that Performance appraisal is very useful for any type of organization but there are always some exceptions.For example, if the managers fail to grade their staff according to their performance there are quite high chances that the company or the organization could land in hot water. So it is very important that the manager s should not grade their employees on personal assessment but should only grade them according to their performance which would only help the firm to achieve success in the future. CHAPTER 3- METHODOLOGY 3. 0 INTRODUCTION: Methodology is a set of practice to regain information about something. In other rods it is a choice about what data and information to gather.The information that will be obtained will also be used in the outcome and also be compared to the literature review In order to have an appropriate evaluation. One should keep in mind some factors when developing a successful methodology. I tried to contact the Marks and Spence's business and management analyst but it was too difficult to have a decent reply from them. Developing a methodology is not at all an easy task and requires different types of techniques and hard work in order to gather some useful information. 3. 1 TYPES OF DATA COLLECTION:

Environmental Studies Of The States Climate Essay

Environmental Studies Of The States Climate - Essay Example The monthly temperature ranges from 91.5Â °F to 30.0Â °F. Snow fall is a rare phenomenon and the highest record is only 13 inches on March 12-13, 1993 at Birmingham. Tornados and hurricanes are very common around Birmingham and Mobile due to turbulent wind patterns. Hurricanes of wind speeds 145mph caused the worst tornado disaster the Dixie Tornado outbreak in April 27, 2011 in which 50 tornados claimed more than 238 lives. Alaska The state Alaska is known for its high snow falls but is also hot in the summer. The highest mean annual temperature is 51.4Â °F recorded at Annette, AP and the lowest average annual temperature is 0.9Â °F recorded at Umiat. The mean annual rainfall is the highest at Whitter at 185.2 inches and the most snowfall occurs in the month of January at Valdez WSO as much as 65.1 inches with a snow depth of 31 inches. The extreme northern part of Alaska is Arctic with long and very cold winters and there is snow almost year around here. The wind speeds at the costal parts of the Gulf of Alaska are as high as 40 to 45 kmph and major natural disasters in Alaska are due to storms. Arizona The climatic conditions in this state are dry with little rainfall. The highest temperature recorded was 128Â °F at Lake Havasu City, 1994 and the lowest temperature recorded was -40Â °F at Hawley Lake, 1971. The average annual maximum temperature is 76.3Â °F recorded at Lake Havasu City and the lowest is 38.3Â °F at Sunrise Mountain. The highest average annual precipitation is at Hawley Lake 38.2 inches, and the lowest is 2.67 inches. The highest average annual snowfall is at Sunrise Mountain recorded as 243 inches. The state is more prone to storms and there are large temperature swings between the day and the night temperatures due to the dry climatic conditions relevant in the state. Arkansas Due to the location close to the Gulf of Mexico, Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate. The lowest temperature was recorded at Pond in 1905 as –29Â °F and a record high of 120Â °F was recorded on 1936 at Ozark. Average yearly precipitation is approximately 45 inches in the mountainous areas and greater in the lowlands; for example Little Rock received an annual average of 50.9 inches. Snowfall in the capital averages 5.2 inches a year and the northern part of the state gets more snowfall during the winter. The state is prone to natural disasters like thunderstorms, hails, snow storms and ice storms. A tornado with wind speeds as high as 180 to 200 mph damaged Atkins where 12 people were killed. California Most of the areas in the state of California have a Mediterranean climate, while some have a subarctic climate that is colder winters and hotter summers. The maximum average yearly temperature was recorded as 91Â °F at Death Valley. The lowest average annual temperature was recorded at Squaw Valley Lodge as 27.3Â °F. The mean rainfall was recorded the highest at 104.2 inches at Honey Dew and the lowest was recorded at 2.7 inches at Brawley. Snowfall is nil at most areas and the highest snowfall of 287.7 inches was recorded at Big Ben Ranger Station. The wind speeds range from 4.5 mph to 13.3 mph. Flood due to heavy rain, tornados, thunder storms and firestorms are common in this state.

Depend on the information that will given which 1) a narrative memoir Essay

Depend on the information that will given which 1) a narrative memoir of a vacation, journey, or experience. Use first person I and either chronological order or flashback of events - Essay Example I remember meeting an old school friend, on the first day of school in August 2004, who also happened to join the same high school. We had made a few acquaintances by then. Introducing those across gave us the opportunity to get together after classes and have a chat. I was happy enough with a trusty bunch of friends, having a sport to put my passions into was just an add on. Before I knew it, I found myself always playing football, the most popular high school sport (Mueller et. al p. 57), in the free time. I was quite popular as a goalkeeper among my friends because of my extreme saves. That was all I liked – being popular, but only among my friends, rather than in the clichà © sense of being popular, for extreme things I could do with confidence. There was nothing I could remember better than flashbacks of playing football in the previous year. Starting the final year we got a match set up with a seventh grade team. This seemed quite boring because I was of the opinion that this - rather unmatched - match was set up because there was no other team available. Little did I know from my previous year’s football passion that I and my friends were not the only ones who loved the game - there were others, who took it much more seriously than our time killing passion approach. The match, that we expected to be very uneventful, soon proved to be a spectacular match. As I remembered saving goals day in and out with my friends, my tunnel vision world started spinning out of focus when I saw the seventh graders score goals after goals on me; passing the football with a single touch kick. As I thought of the scores I had dived to save all year back, I couldn’t say I didn’t enjoy being beaten by seventh graders. A me mory of being beaten is a lesson on the game I thought I had passion about, I learned there is always someone out there who takes your passions much more seriously than you. But what makes you unique is your own ability to learn

Context and principle for early years provision Coursework

Context and principle for early years provision - Coursework Example The legal status of this framework denotes that there has to proper standards of learning and development and also taking proper care of children who are taking an initiative to step out of home in such a setting so as to ensure that each and every child gets proper guidance and nobody is left behind in terms of imparting learning skills (Bayley and Wallace, 2009, pp. 28-31). The framework even comprises of legal conditions in terms of providing equal opportunities to all children and prohibits any practice that is discriminatory so that no child faces any kind of disadvantage in terms of religion, gender, religion, family background, ethnicity, or learning disabilities or difficulties. The framework even consists of orderly assessment so as to ensure proper functioning of the regulation. There are such early year’s frameworks that are prevalent in UK Home Nation such as Reggio Emilia approach that is a philosophy based on education that provides pre-school or primary educatio n to young children. The approach was initiated by Loris Malaguzzi after World War II who was a teacher and was later joined by other parents of villages and is located in Italy. The other approach that is prevalent in this region is that of High/Scope which is established in Michigan and also in its nearby countries by Ypsilanti and focuses on childcare, kindergarten, or some form of settings of elementary school. This approach do not only focuses on current learning and development of young children but encompasses all possible measures by providing opportunities for their future development and growth. The other such approaches that are based on this framework comprises of Steiner, Common Core, and Montessori that are prevalent in the specific region (Blok and Fukkink, 2005, p. 35). Each of these approaches or the framework works in accordance with national and local guidance. These approaches work in

Clinical Trial Drugs Regulations and Manufacture Thesis

Clinical Trial Drugs Regulations and Manufacture - Thesis Example For instance if one treatment is effective in children, could if be equally as effective with adults. Trials confirm what treatments are being used safely and satisfactorily on individuals. There importance is limitless amongst the population of the medical world. For quite some time, clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry have been regulated by several government bodies. These regulations are set forth by entities like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMEA or EMA), the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to name a few. These entities weigh a heavy collateral on how pharmaceutical companies transition medicines from ideal to market with the use of clinical drug trials. The severity of the clinical trial drugs process has a significant donation to the well being of humanity, but faults in production of medications that will suffice in the treatme nt of those it was produced to treat. James Bryce once said; â€Å"Medicine, the only profession that labors incessantly to destroy the reason for its existence†. In short drug trials are performed to adhere to safety regulations that conform to human health strategies. According to the United States National Institutes of Health Service clinical trials are â€Å"considered to be biomedical or health-related research studies in human beings that follow a pre-defined protocol† (Understanding Clinical Trials, 2007). In order to associate the importance of these trials, it has to be first comprehended as to where they have evolved from. Traditionally, clinical drug trials can be associated with pharmaceutical medicine. ... The history of pharmaceutical medicine can be accredited sixteen distinct contributions as directly cited by the Drug Study Institute (Saponaro, 2011): 1. In 1906 the Pure Food and Drug Act was passed, partly due to Dr. Wiley's Poison Squad experiments. It forbade interstate and foreign commerce of adulterated and misbranded food and drugs. There were no safety or efficacy requirements. In 1902 Dr. Wiley started research with human volunteers to determine the effects of food preservatives on digestion and health. Overnight the press made the "Poison Squad" a national sensation. This law required new drugs be tested for safety before marketing, the results of which would be submitted to the FDA in an NDA or New Drug Application. The law also required that drugs met standards of strength and purity and had adequate labeling for safe use. 2. The Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy in 1937 prompted Congress to pass the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938, which required pre-market review of sa fety in a New Drug Application (NDA) and specified labeling requirements. It also began marking study drugs with the phrase, â€Å"for investigational use.† It also gave the FDA the authority to inspect sponsor drug manufacturing plants and gave them more enforcement power. The requirement of proving effectiveness was still missing. 3. In 1948 the Nuremberg Code was written, the first formal statement on medical ethics. Nuremberg Code: In 1948, the Nuremberg Code laid down 10 standards for physicians to conform to when carrying out experiments on human participants. The Nuremberg Code was the result of judgment by an American military war crimes tribunal conducting proceedings against 23 Nazi physicians and administrators for their willing participation in war crimes

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Leadership - Essay Example In light of this she is still to give recommendations to the senior management on where the ‘additional’ officers will be deployed. Kathy’s team members are aware of this move and as a result they are distressed: an aspect that as earlier stated is affecting their work performance a great deal. The main aim for Kathy is to ensure that the team members’ work performance is within acceptable levels especially during this transition period. This paper will use a leadership approach to come up with how best to solve the dilemma Kathy has. Leaders are supposed to always be able to ensure that things are done through influencing others. For a leadership process to be complete there has to be the leader followed by the task to handle and lastly the ones being led: termed as followers. Â  According to Stojkovic et al. (2008) a leader has to be visionary, good behaviour, be charismatic, have a trait and above all manifest a form of leadership style. Leaders in daily duties are faced with situations that force them to act in a certain manner. Situational variables dictate what to be done and at what time. Some of the situational factors that are of importance to consider are the style the leader opt, followers’ behaviours and capabilities among others. Contingency theories therefore play a key role in guiding leaders on how to lead more so depending on situational analysis. Contingency theories indicate that there is no particular style of leadership that can apply to any given situation. This clearly stipulates th at leaders’ approaches to a demanding situation will depend hugely on the dynamics that the situation poses. The same case applies to leaders themselves whereby if one fails to change with a situation then the chances of success in a volatile environment are slim. Decision making process is complex and can be made simple by a leader’s ability to appreciate change in the environment and by approaching

Issues and controversies in management project Case Study

Issues and controversies in management project - Case Study Example McDonald's evidences the validity of the stated. Renown for its corporate social responsibility record in its home country, and owing a sizeable percentage of its market share to this, upon expansion into foreign markets, McDonald's exported its CSR principles along (Bronn, 2006). Hence, in the 32 of the countries in which it operates, it has over 200 Ronald McDonald Houses, charity organisation which support underprivileged children (Bronn, 2006). It has also embraced environmentalism and committed itself to green practices, publicly acknowledging its responsibility towards the preservation and conservation of an increasingly fragile environment and ecosystem (Paton, 2007). Operating on the basis of these and other practices designed to underscore its commitment to CSR, McDonald's has successfully entrenched itself in the communities within which it operates. Indeed, a significant part of its market success and ability to penetrate the barriers to foreign market entry are a direct o utcome of the fact that it projects an image of a company which wants to give, not just take, from its community (Paton, 2007). Corporate ethics, albeit strongly related t... rnationalisation, it is imperative that multinationals acquire an understanding of the ethical systems particular to the foreign markets in question and adhere to them. For instance, in some cultures, gender segregation is an inviolable ethical principle, with the implication being that foreign entrants should adhere to this practice. In others, child labour is not viewed as unethical and the employment of children may be interpreted as the extension of assistance to an impoverished family. However, since this last is not viewed as an ethical practice and its implementation as universally unethical, not to mention a violation of international law, multinationals who engage in this practice may irreparably damage their market standing. This means that in designing their ethics guidelines, companies must create a fine balance between international and national ethical systems. McDonald's has managed to achieve this balance. On the one hand, it adheres to universal ethics guidelines whi ch dictate the imperatives of fair wages, non-discriminatory labour practices Royle, 2005) and quality goods from suppliers (Verschoor, 2001). On the other, it respects the cultural ethics of its host environments whereby, for example, it does not employ women in its restaurants, in concession to the segregation precept, although it does in its offices (Heck, 2003). The point here is that upon entry into foreign markets, the company does try to embrace and adhere to local ethical precepts, even as it abides by international ones, so as to facilitate entry and acceptance. Branding Competitive advantage is a critical determinant of successful entry into foreign markets and of surviving the challenges of globalisation and realising its promises. Branding is a managed process to

Group dynamics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Group dynamics - Term Paper Example Purpose of a group forms its background and the process through which this is achieved makes it operational. Team is structured, requires coordinated interaction to reach the set goal and all the members stand responsible for its activities. A congregation of individuals qualifies to be called a group based on Kurt Lewin’s parameters, which specify that the members should interact, are interdependent, influence each other, the members feel belongingness, have a structure, work towards a common goal and are recognised as a group by others. Task and relationship-based interactions develop in groups, through which people connect and affect each other. 2. Group as a social system Groups are social entities with a membership of 2 or more persons. They are viewed as units of socialization, interaction, centres of intellect and learning. Group is a locus for connecting with people and hangers for emotional support. People group in order to support the realisation that they share simi lar ideologies. Interdependence and cooperation, which are interpersonal and social qualities are essential for the formation of groups. They never exist in vacuum, but are related and dependent on other groups. Groups may be classified as primary or secondary(classified by Charles Horton Cooley) and planned or emergent ones. Close and personal interactions occur frequently among primary group members. They form the basis for socialising and platform for showcasing the ideas, values and opinions of members. Secondary or nucleated groups are sized big, formal and the size may not permit one-to-one relation among members. They are help members socialise, but not as much as primary groups. Planned groups work for a common goal. Their formation is initiated from an exterior source, organisation or individual or other groups. Emergent groups, as the name suggests, emerge as the people find themselves bound by circumstances, location or situation (Corey, Corey, and Corey ). T-groups, a pr oposition by Kurt Lewin, are interpersonal training groups, that facilitate bonding among members, building trust and interact on both work-related and personal issues. The source of learning and improvement is feedback from the other members of the team. 3. Group Development In order to comprehend group dynamics, it is important to study the process and theories related to their development (Forsyth ). Lot of studies and research addressed the concept. Tubb has phased group development into orientation, conflict, consensus and closure and Fisher suggested orientation, conflict, emergence and reinforcement model. Bruce Tuckman suggested 4 stages of group development, which consists of forming, storming, norming and performing. Adjourning has been appended later. a. Forming During this phase, individuals mingle with each other and communicate, in an attempt to arrive at their purpose of association. They assess their respective comfort zones. Leaders play a vital role in facilitating this understanding and walking them towards the next stage. b. Storming Here, the members share their views, assemble with others sharing similar thoughts and socialise. Leader persuades them to open up and streamlines their ideas, differences etc towards the group goals. Socialisation is the process of adaptation of the members to the purpose, situation and other members. Active involvement on the part of members is crucial at this stage.

Mitochondrial DNA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Mitochondrial DNA - Essay Example This is accomplished in humans by the sequencing one or more of the hypervariable control regions (HVR1 or HVR2) of the mitochondrial DNA (Schwartz & Vissing 2002). Mitochondrial Eve is referred to as an ancestor who has been hypothesized on the grounds of fossil as well as DNA evidence (Vigilant et al. 1991). Phylogenies are constructed on mtDNA comparison shown that the living humans whose mitochondrial lineages branched earliest from the tree are indigenous Africans, while the lineages of indigenous peoples on other continents all branch off from African lines (Vigilant et al. 1991). Researchers can reason that all humans descend from Africa; and then they migrated out of Africa to populate the rest of the world. If the mitochondrial analysis is accurate, then mitochondrial Eve represents the origin of the mitochondrial family tree. Eve must have predated the mass departure and lived in Africa (Vigilant et al. 1991). Mitochondrial Eve was the most recent matrilineal ancestor of humans alive today. On the other hand, as evident lineages died out, the status of common matrilineal ancestor would have been passed to a descendant of the previous matrilineal ancestor. ... The nucleotide sequence of the hypervariable 1 (HV-1) region of mtDNA was determined from samples of all four groups. There were 275 HV-1 sequences, and a total of 164 haplotypes were observed (Jackson et al.). Jackson reveals that through analysis of molecular inconsistency indicated that the distribution of these haplotypes within the Limba sample was considerably different from the other ethnic groups. He further states that there was no significant difference between the other groups (Jackson et al.). These distinguishing results show genetic differences that can be observed within different ethnic groups in considerably close proximity of each other. Moreover, Jackson, and his group, observed some mtDNA haplotypes that were similar among the Sierra Leone ethnic groups and that have not been published in any other West African studies (Jackson et al.). As a result, there may be evidence for mtDNA lineages that are unique to this region of Western Africa. The methods of sampling w ere cheek swabs, using the BuccalAmp DNA Extraction kit according to the manufacturer's specifications, which were taking from 166 unrelated individuals from all four ethnic groups: Mende, Temne, Loko, and Limba (Jackson et al.). These samples were obtained in pre-arranged meetings and males were primarily observed. This was because matrilineal and patrilineal studies were conducted (Jackson et al.). Matrilineal and patrilineal ethnic lineages over three generations were recorded for each individual. The mtDNA haplotypes were determined by analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the hypervariable region (HV-I). HV1 sequences were allied and edited from positions 16001-16480 to ensure the identification of unambiguous polymorphisms (Jackson et al.). 480 bases of HV-I

Global Forces of Change Essay Example for Free

Global Forces of Change Essay 1. From the case facts, describe how globalization and technology have influenced the business directions of GE Medical Systems. Technology Since new requirements in healthcare business had been emerged, in the market it is required to implement personalized medicine to support specific client – not mass population. Moreover, trend on find the way to prevent sickness is more concerned than to heal. This is massive challenge to medical equipment manufacturers whether which company can find the best technology to support these requirements. GE believed that the best technology would always win in the marketplace so they responded to these requirements by investing more on RD and also product design. As the result, corporate RD invented some new products which replace need of existing product, for example, digital detectors for X-ray machines that would replace the need for X-ray film. Globalization Globalization increases connectivity and interdependence of the world’s markets and businesses. Emerging middle-classes of Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America is also an opportunity for healthcare company like GE to expand their markets, increase sales and profits. Beside of sales side, GE can also reduce their manufacturing cost by shifting manufacturing from high-cost countries to low-cost countries. This would increase their competitive advantage. 2. Identify possible projects by which a company dealing in Healthcare and Medical Diagnosis like GEMS can profitably ride the waves of globalization, liberalization and technology. * Shifting manufacturing base from high-cost countries to low-cost countries in order to reduce production cost. * To develop healthcare IT system, this is to manage necessary data systematically such as patient data, treatment record etc. This is also helpful for diagnosis. * To apply Free Trade Agreement with emerging countries in order to facilitate access of healthcare products. * Even general needs of customers in healthcare in each country is same but there are some specific requirements which are required individually so GEMS should not neglect RD in each local market. Hiring local staffs is an effective alternative since local people might understand needs in their society well. * RD is vital since technology changes every day. GEMS should keep investing on find out the way to increase effectivene ss of their equipment and also invent new products which can replace existing one. 3. Describe the world do you envision in 2050, especially with China and India likely to take center-stage? Touch on the economic, political, social and cultural adaptation that you think can take place. According to many reports show that over the next 50 years China and then India’s economies will overtake US. Large and growing market opportunities in China and India are widely seen and understood as evidenced by the large flows of foreign direct investment to China, both for the domestic market, but also to use China as a low cost platform for exports to the rest of the World. China is communist. Due to their political characteristics, control in a repressive way substantial part of the economy, especially the financial sector that brought about massive imbalance. A centralized decision-making process, although discretionary would presumably ease political action by by-passing all types of necessary approvals from a parliament or congress in a democratic system. So changing of Chinese government would possibly change the world. About social and culture, as foreign companies would base their manufacturing in China, learning local culture would be very important in order to have smooth operation and avoid any conflict. China language will become as vital as English. On the other hands, due to growing of China economic dominance, Chinese people will also spread over the world. Their culture will unavoidably absorb to everywhere. We have no choice but adapt with it.

Ethics of Data Breaches

Ethics of Data Breaches Mohammed Shahed Ali 1. The Analysis Alex Holden, originator of the Wisconsin-based security firm, understood for getting hordes of stolen data from the hacking black market pronounced that it had actuated a fraudster to give them a database of 272m remarkable email addresses with the passwords buyers use to sign into destinations. It is one of the greatest supplies of stolen qualifications to be revealed. (Restrictive: Big information breaks found at significant email administrations master, 2016) It is one of the greatest supplies of stolen records to be uncovered. These qualifications were for the worlds three well known email suppliers Gmail, Yahoo, and Microsoft. Whats going on?After subsistence advised about accreditations hurray and Google did not reacted to the remark of ruptured information. Milwaukee-based Hold Security began prompting affiliations impacted by the latest data breaks. The associations approach is to return data it recovers at essentially zero cost to firms found to have been cracked. It may be that the reserve is old and doesnt present a great deal of a security peril. In spite of everything, it is not sure how these qualifications were spilled or when-yet a couple people over on Reedit found that these may not, truth be told, be Gmail passwords, as genuine reports declared. Or maybe, no doubt these are passwords spilled from various locales during the time that were associated with Gmail addresses. The examination shows that 99.982% of Mail.ru record passwords found in the database is invalid. The database is without a doubt an aggregation of a few old data dumps assembled by hacking web organizations where people used their email area to select. (Szoldra, 2016) What are the issues?The secret key break at first surfaced on a Russian-vernacular discourse. Programmers from Russia and Eastern Europe have been related with various prominent security rupture, including the Target break that turned up an immense number of clients credentials.(5 Million Gmail Usernames, Passwords Hacked And Posted To Russian Bit coin Forum: Report, 2014) A few clients were hoodwinked and deceived by deceitful by sending comparable dependable messages to change the secret word so they can get their certifications through it, this dubious fake is named as phishing. What are the facts?Its basic to note that for this circumstance and in others, the spilled usernames and passwords were not the result of a crack of Google structures. This data break information and open bits of knowledge have transformed into a critical resource for media, associations and clients planning to end up additional on the necessity for best practices, insurance and endeavours to build up security in all extents both individual and master. This postures an enormous test to the specialist organization for security and administration to safeguard the danger of these assailants both monetarily and fiscally. Who is affected?While the database includes a great many login accreditations, it doesnt mean Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, and Mail.ru servers themselves have been hacked. Or maybe, the programmer assembled the information from breaks of littler or less secure sites where individuals utilize their email addresses alongside a secret key to log-in(Medina, 2016).Since many individuals utilize similar passwords crosswise over different sites, it is those people who to a great extent be influenced and need to change their passwords. Yahoo Mail records evidently made up 15% of the IDs found, while Hotmail made up 12% and Gmail made up 9%. A large number of the stolen passwords appear to have a place with agents of the greatest banking, retail associations in the US. What are the Ethical issues and their implications?Ethical issues:Get-together of information as an interruption or infringement of privacy, Certifying consistency with those principles justified Eventually, Attorneys are in like manner subject to supports if these affirmations are submitted already, infringement of the precepts. Lawyers require a commitment on supplement revelations Furthermore divulgence responses under Federal Rule of Civil framework 26(e) and furthermore blacks.(J. Scott, 2016) Controls oblige the people using individual information to keep the mandates requirements to persistently reasonable, to clarify Likewise to the explanation behind gathered greater part of the information and, hazardous to huge Data, with endeavour to minimisation(According to divisions for national Affairs globe data security report card 14(9) and whats more those U.Ks. Information Commissioners office enormous information and data security (2014)).(MIS Quarterly Executive 2015 first ed.) The moment that an information security break happened, proofs reinforcing the standards, protection arrangement be shielded and accumulated steadily. It might be fundamental to report the thing amid the season of the rupture event so as will assent for good and  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   discovering duties. Lawyers have a moral duty for spoliation of proof. Implications the issue:Removed the theoretical surmising, the master plan of this issue there is a gigantic contact regarding the general population eye. The most extreme measures of records in the database presumably are mail.ru copies and their usernames and passwords, those data held roughly 57 million records beginning with the site, or the greater part those sum from guaranteeing people using Russias heading email organization. From the aggregate certainties, these certifications are 57 Million, have a place with Russias heading email provider mail.ru, 40 million Yahoo accounts, 33 million Microsoft Hotmail accounts Also 24 million Gmail accounts. (Szoldra, P. (2016)). About the people 272 million records assessed by Hold Security, around 42.5 million were accreditations that the association require not seen traded on the Dark Web some time recently. Be that as it may, Google and yippee denied for this enormous database rupture and did not react to the occurrence. Google itself say in one of its articles that username and passwords are acquired through different sources and fraudsters by phishing the clients by sending fake emails. Lawyers are furthermore subject to sanctions if these confirmations are made neglecting the rules. Legal counsellors have a commitment to supplement exposures and divulgence responses under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(e) too.(J. Scott, R. (2016)). What could have been done about it?To decline this Ethical problem over the Data Protection Act Lawyers of this service have a commitment to supplement exposures and revelation responses under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(e). To defeat this issue Google received certain confirmation strategies for its client for better protection and security to keep up its principles. Then again phishing tricks must be accounted for by the clients. What are the options? The principal choice to vanquish this moral issue for the clients of mail specialist co-ops is Reverse Turing Test which safeguards the moral predicament and reports the spam for verification emails aside from the supplier messages. Also 2-stage confirmation technique for email which advocates and hones the security of users. If their secret word is turn on two-consider validation and the clients utilize to ensure themselves. Coming to the gauges of the Google database its high-security arrangement cant infringe. Or maybe the client qualifications can coordinate with different locales if the user gives same points of interest to log into those destinations (Medina, 2016). Which option is the best and why? The second choice is best when comes to an ethical dilemma where the customers can rest simpler, there is although assignment to break the accreditations of the clients is proficient to shield the security when a unidentified passage tries to get the qualifications or need to get to the client account. 2.Reference list  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1. Exclusive: Big data breaches found at major email services expert. (2016). Reuters. Retrieved 6 August 2016, from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cyber-passwords-idUSKCN0XV1I6 2. Millions of passwords have been stolen from Google and Yahoo users. (2016). Mail Online. Retrieved 6 August 2016, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3573203/Big-data-breaches-major-email-services-expert.html 3. Szoldra, P. (2016). The 272 million hacked Gmail, Hotmail, and other accounts appear to be fake. TechInsider. Retrieved 6 August 2016, from http://www.techinsider.io/russian-hack-email-2016-5 3. 5 Million Gmail Usernames, Passwords Hacked And Posted To Russian Bitcoin Forum: Report. (2014). International Business Times. Retrieved 7 August 2016, from http://www.ibtimes.com/5-million-gmail-usernames-passwords-hacked-posted-russian-bitcoin-forum-report-1684368 4. Medina, N. (2016). Massive Email Hack Database Sold By Russian Hacker For Less Than $1, But Should You Be Worried?. iDigitalTimes.com. Retrieved 7 August 2016, from http://www.idigitaltimes.com/massive-email-hack-database-sold-russian-hacker-less-1-should-you-be-worried-531921 5. MIS Quarterly Executive 2015 1sted.). Retrieved from http://misqe.org/ojs2/index.php/misqe/article/viewFile/588/394 6. J. Scott, R. (2016). Ethical Considerations for Attorneys Responding to a Data-Security Breach. Iapp.org. Retrieved 14 August 2016, from https://iapp.org/news/a/2008-06-ethical-considerations-for-attorneys-responding-to-data-breach/

Vietnamese Cuisine Essay

Vietnamese Cuisine Essay This paper shall look into the characteristics of Vietnamese cuisine, taking into account the countrys unique historical and social influences that have shaped their thinking and attitude towards food. Being a former colonial country in the Southeast Asia, Vietnam has been the context of various cultural and historical fusions (Dung and Linh 2007). The development of its cuisine from the earliest times bears the marks of new influences from other countries and tastes, helping to make a truly rich and unique collection of dishes that reflect the countrys history. As we have already noted, Vietnamese cuisine is unique for its cultural and historical influences. Vietnam is a long, narrow country on the lower portion of the Asian mainland, bordered by China, Cambodia, Laos and the Gulf of Thailand. The countrys geography has proven to be an important factor in shaping its cuisine and food production over the years. Because of the peculiar shape of their country, the natives tend to think of it as a bamboo pole with a basket of rice at each end. Geography has also lent specialties of each region a different flavour, because climate plays a big role in the availability of ingredients for different dishes. The northern cuisine is reflective of the countrys Chinese cooking heritage by specializing in dishes with soy sauce, noodle-based soups and stir-fried foods. Northern dishes are less flavourful than those found in the south or the middle portion of the country because its climate is not suitable for a large number of spices. Central Vietnam is abundant with fresh produce, and is characterized by its propensity to use extreme spices and to serve up colourful food that is reminiscent of the regions past as the seat of royalty. A traditional meal involves several complex dishes in very small portions. Finally, Southern cooking has been most heavily influenced by Thai food, such that their dishes are sweet or spicy in taste because it boasts of a climate that is suitable to a bigger number of spices. Immigrants from across the Cambodian border have also helped define the style and flavour of Southern Vietnamese cooking. This part of the country is also where the vestiges of French colonial cooking are most apparent. History, as we have already noted, plays an integral role in the development and fusion of Vietnamese food with other cultures. Almost ten centuries worth of Chinese domination in the country has left significant imprints in their cooking styles, as well as the particular dishes and the choice of ingredients. The French colonizers, on the other hand, influence the traditional Vietnamese menu by introducing various techniques of sautà ©ing. Vietnamese soups are also part of their French heritage. Other factors such as the socio-economic classes dictate on the availability of food products in the country, such that poorer people cannot afford to buy particular kinds of food because of higher prices. They are more likely to consume more rice and less meat and vegetable dishes, but this does not mean that they are enjoying their native cuisine less than the rich. The countrys dense population subsists mostly on carbohydrates in the form of rice, other grains and noodles. Vietnamese food is most popular for combining an array of vegetables, herbs and meats to come up with different meals (Dung and Linh 2007). Vietnamese cuisines usage of some some ingredients such as coconut and coconut milk is a characteristic that it shares with its Asian neighbours, but an authentic Vietnamese meal also boasts of culinary contributions from other countries, particularly China and France. It is also cooked using unique traditional styles that have been passed from generation to generation. Because of its propensity to use light ingredients and vegetables, Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines around the world today, which is a prime reason for why it is quickly becoming popular in a more health-conscious society. The diaspora of whole communities, coupled with the forces of globalization and capitalism, have also helped to propel Vietnamese cuisine to the forefront of the culinary world (Thomas 2004). Like other Asian countries, rice is a staple in the Vietnamese diet. It is grown in water paddies all around the country, but the climatic conditions at the Red River delta in the north and the Mekong river delta in the south are most favourable for this crop. Rice is the main source of carbohydrates (in the form of starch) in the peoples diet, eaten three times a day with a vegetable and/or meat main dish. Rice is also made into a variety of cakes, noodles, and desserts. Vietnam is currently the worlds third largest exporter of rice, and this commodity also holds a prime position in the countrys economy, apart from being a mainstay in the dining table. The country is still predominantly agriculture in nature, with a climate that can support a large variety of flora and fauna. Rice is usually consumed jointly by all the family members. The typical Vietnamese meal would include several main dishes, a soup and a bowl of rice for everyone. These are laid out on a table where the family members sit around and take their food from the dish platters with chopsticks-this is the only country in the Pacific and the Southeast Asian regions where people traditionally eat their meals with chopsticks. This habit is clearly one of the Chinese influences in Vietnamese cooking. The meal is usually not divided into courses and everything is served all at once. When the younger Vietnamese eat with their elders, they ask the latter to get their share of the food first as a sign of respect typical in the whole Asian region. Like the Chinese, traditional meals are also accompanied by a cup of tea, especially when there are guests around. The meal is not complete without vegetables on the side and a variety of small bowls filled with salty sauces in which the people dip their food. Vegetables are usually served as salads tossed in with beef or shrimp, in order to complement the strong flavour of the meaty main dish. The classic dip in these traditional family meals is a kind of salty fish sauce called nuoc mam. Apart from the land-grown rice, the countrys coastal and river areas provide another staple of the Vietnamese diet-fish and other aquatic species. The countrys two major rivers are an important source of seafood that help to balance the carbohydrate-rich diet of the locals. The rivers also serve as a way of transporting the goods to the local water markets, where fresh produce from the coastal villages are sold. In fact, seafood occupies a bigger portion in the Vietnamese diet than other meats such as pork, chicken or beef, which are usually consumed in smaller quantities. The Vietnamese cook their food in many ways, but unlike the Chinese, they prefer to keep the dish light by using as little oil as possible. While some viands are deep fried or stir fried, there are also a great number that are cooked by only boiling, tossing or steaming them. Vietnamese cooking is also not as rich or heavy as the curry-based dishes of Thailand, for example. The distinctive light and fresh flavour of the Vietnamese locals can be achieved by using a variety of spices and ingredients such as mint leaves, lemon grass, shrimp, native fish sauces, basi, garlic, and ginger. Cooking styles also vary from region to region, with the north preferring a lot of dishes that are slow-cooked or stir fried, whereas dishes in the south are mostly grilled or simply eaten raw. The Vietnamese are popular for being keen snackers, and they are rather fond of eating at street-side stalls or small shops specializing in a single dish, instead of the modern restaurants lining the streets in the cities. Their tradition of eating out is very strong even if most meals are cooked and eaten at home. The streets are filled with t sweet aroma of delicious snacks being cooked everywhere, because the Vietnamese are likely to stop anywhere and grab a bite whenever they feel hungry. Some of these roadside attractions are actually prestigious family restaurants that have been serving customers for many, many years. Tourists in Vietnam should, however, be a little wary of what they eat because of the presence of so many herbs and spices. People with allergies are especially susceptible because they may not know that the food they are eating contain an ingredient that they may be allergic to.

Grant Hill :: essays research papers

In someway grant was a typical boy. He was energetic and playful. He liked to ride his dirt bike around the neighborhood. And, of course, he liked sports, especially soccer and basketball. For a while, he even had more soccer trophies then basketball. But, as he grew, he realized he had a better chance to excel on the basketball court. One sport Grant never played was football. Not because he didn’t want to, but because his father forbade him to play untill he was in high school. â€Å" I didn’t want him dealing with pressures of comparison,† said Calvin, his father. Even though he didn’t play football, Grant still had to deal with comparison. He was a shy and quiet child who never liked the idea of being special. He wanted to fade in the background, just be one of the gang. But that really wasn’t possible, everyone knew that Grant’s father was Calvin Hill, the greatest football player. Calvin was the NFL rookie of the year in 1969. â€Å"I’ve always wanted to blend in and be like everybody else,† Grant says. â€Å"I didn’t want anybody, especially my friends, thinking I was better then them. I just wanted to be a down-to-earth guy and have my own identity.† Like most other kids, Grant played pickup games with his friends. He worked on his moves in the driveway. Sometimes he’d fantasize about winning a big game with the last-second shot. He would video tape games, just so he could play them over and over again. He would sit in front of the television set and analyze the game. Grant would not only watch the ball but also watch the floor. He would notice if a player set a nice screen way from action, or worked particularly hard on defense. He became a true student of the game. When grant went to high school he was asked to play on the varsity team, but he was devastated, he told the coach he much rather play on the junior varsity team. Calvin had gotten a call from one of the assistant coaches about the decision to elevate grant to the varsity team. It was an unusual move – Grant was barely 14 years old. But Calvin felt his son could handle it. But suprisingly when Calvin told him the news he burst into tears. Grant did not want to be above his friends.

Moshe Dayan Research :: essays research papers fc

â€Å"Moshe Dayan was an Israeli military warrior who became a crusader for peace. He was skilled in both battle and diplomacy. He played a key role in four wars, but also helped negotiate the historic Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty.† â€Å"Moshe Dayan was a Soldier and statesman who led Israel to dramatic victories over its Arab neighbours and became a symbol of security to his countrymen.† Moshe Dayan was born in a kibbutz, in a town called Deganya Alef (Alef is the name for the letter A in Hebrew) in Palestine, then still part of the Ottoman Empire May 20th, 1915. His parents were Shmuel and Devorah, and he was the first child born in the newly-established community. When he was only 14 he joined the Haganah. (The Haganah (In Hebrew: "Defense") was a Zionist military organization in Palestine). He was very influenced by military techniques and teachings officer Orde Wingate gave Moshe. Afterwards he went to Bulgaria where he graduated from the military academy. This is a picture of Moshe’s Birthplace. He was once arrested by the British, (when the Haganah was declared illegal), but released after two years when the British cooperated with them during World War II. While he was serving on the Australian 7th Infantry Division, Dayan lost his left eye and began wearing the eyepatch that became his trademark, and later Dayan received the â€Å"Distinguished Service Order†, one of the highest military honors. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Dayan occupied various positions of importance, first as the commander of many military units on the central front. Later he was he became the prime minister’s protà ©gà ©, together with Shimon Peres (the future Prime Minister). After the 1948 war, Dayan’s ranking rose very fast. From 1955 to 1958 he was the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Force, where he commanded the Israeli forces during the â€Å"Suez Crisis†. â€Å" In 1959, Dayan joined MAPAI, the leftist party in Israeli politics. Until 1964 he served as the minister of agriculture in Israel, and in 1967, Eshkol (current prime minister) decided to give him the position of Minister of Defense.†2 General Moshe Dayan (center), Chief of Staff General Yitschak Rabin (right) and General Uzi Narkiss (left), enter Old Jerusalem in 1967 Dayan was still the secretary of defense when the â€Å"Yom Kippur War† catastrophically began on October 6, 1973. He was in charge for military planning, and at first didn’t opt for a mobilization of the army, he said that he didn’t want Israel to appear as the aggressor, and that Israel could win the war even after an Arab attack.