PRODUCT INFORMATION Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

PRODUCT INFORMATION - Assignment Example The products were then shipped to other parts of the world like France in the 1970s and orange juice wars with other rivals like in Coca Cola began in the 1980s. In subsequent years, the product’s packaging and marketing strategies have changed but the taste and content have remained relatively the same. In 1949, the product was simply freshly squeezed orange juice but in 1954, it became a chilled product made using flash pasteurization. In 1983, packaging was reduced to a smaller quantity but the prices remained the same; this mirrored developments in earlier periods (1964) when the organization created its own bottles and sold the product in such containers (Pania et al 3). The product maintained similar tastes until 2006 when it was diluted to become less thick and less calorie-rich. In 2009, its packaging was altered to a generic form but 3 months later, the company went back to its original packaging as customers complained; now it is found in plastic bottles. Tropicana original orange juice won the IPA Effectiveness Awards 2006, Silver because of its campaign advertisement conducted in the United Kingdom (â€Å"IPA effectiveness awards 2006†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). The brand also boasts about getting Carbon Trust product footprint certification in 2007 because of determining the environmental" impact or ecological footprint of its production process. It is also a recipient of the Beverage Innovation Awards in 2009 by an organization of the same name because of the sustainability initiatives in production and rainforest consumer awareness programs (â€Å"2013 Annual report† 102). The brand currently boasts of market share leadership in the orange juice market as it accounts for 28% of all juices sold in the US. A drop had been recorded in 2009 when the company made a repackaging blunder, but its shares recovered thereafter. Currently, the next most competitive brand is Simply Orange by Coca Cola, which accounts for 14% of the

Oxidation-Reduction Series Essay Example for Free

Oxidation-Reduction Series Essay Place 10 drops of Zinc nitrate, Zn(N03)2 into well A3 of the 24-well plate. 5. Place 10 drops of Iron (Ill) chloride, FeC13 into well A4 of the 24-well plate. 6. Place 10 drops of Copper (II) sulfate, Cu S04 into well A5 of the 24-well plate. 7. Take the metal solids from your LabPaq 8. Use your tweezers to pick up and carefully insert the piece of magnesium into the sodium sulfate. Record your observations. 9. Carefully insert a piece of zinc into the magnesium sulfate. Record your observations. 10. Carefully insert a piece of lead into the zinc nitrate. Record your observations. 11. Carefully insert the lead into the iron Ill) chloride. Record your observations. 12. In the same way carefully insert the iron into the copper (II) sulfate. Record your observations. 13. Place a paper towel over the drain of your sink and pour the contents of the well plate through it. 14. Throw the paper towel and metal pieces in the trash Rinse the well plate and your Oxidation-reduction table (below) Reactions Mg Na2S04 -+ drain wit n running water. Da sodium is stronger than magnesium, turned iron duller, little amount of bubbles Zn in MgS04 Little to no reaction Less of an reaction than the Fec13, but kind of changed color Pb in FeC13 †+ Changed its color made it slimy green Fe CUS04 Completely stripped nail, turned the tip orange Conclusion I was surprised at the reaction that Iron had because although I did expect some reaction I didnt expect that much of a reaction. I was also surprise at how subtle Pb and Zinc and Pb in Iron could be, I feel that this lab was beneficial in honing our observational skills as some of the reactions where harder to see at first, such as Zinc in Magnesium. Potential Sources of Error I feel that human error could destroy this experiment because if you dont clean the well you wouldnt get an accurate response from the metal. I also thought that the pipet was hard to get the accurate amount of drops out (10). Also the time could play a role, if you recorded your observation at different points of the reduction series you might get different answers. Questions A. Based on your observations make an activity series of the metals used. List them in such a way that the most active metal is on the left and the least active metal is on the right. Remember, sodium and copper are metals, too. 1. Iron, Zinc, Lead, Magnesium B. Suppose you inserted a piece of copper into a solution of nickel chloride and bserved no reaction. Then if you inserted a piece of iron into the solution of nickel chloride a nickel deposit formed on the bottom of the well in the well plate. Where does nickel fit into your activity series? 1. Iron, Nickel, Zinc, Lead, Magnesium C. Suppose you inserted a piece of an unknown metal into a solution of zinc (II) nitrate and observed no reaction. Then if you inserted the unknown piece of the metal into the solution of iron (Ill) chloride a deposit formed on the bottom of the well in the well plate. Where does the unknown metal fit into your activity series? 1.

Analysis of Human Resources (HR) Department

Analysis of Human Resources (HR) Department We have chosen Al Futtaim group as the subject of our research. The aim of our research is to review the HR department and point out the weaknesses. To achieve this goal we will review the background and history will give us an idea about the achievements and/or obstacles that faces the company. Also, we will look at the organizational structure of the group and the key people who are managing it. It is important for our research to have a complete idea about the managerial practices and the HRM role in accordance with the other departments. We will evaluate the strength and weaknesses of the HRM and we will end our research with recommendations with for possible improvements. HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Al Futtaim group is a family business which was established in the 1930s as a trading company. The owners of the group hold the upper management positions headed by Majid Al Futtaim as the chairman of the board of directors. The companies working within the group have developed quickly and became a regional integrated commercial, industrial and services business located in the Gulf Area. Currently, the group consists of more than 40 companies dominating many market segments in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt and Pakistan. The group has four subsidiaries which are Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Trust, Retail, and Ventures. The group was created with a purpose of managing its subsidiaries and supervising the work in order to develop the business and achieve unified goals. The managements promise is to respond quickly to the customers need and satisfy the groups shareholders. Moreover the management gives its word to provide challenging opportunities for the employees in orde r to enhance their performance. Another promise is to serve the community, protect the environment and achieve a notable corporate social responsibility. (companys official website) MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The Group consists of several core businesses that complement each other, however they are separately managed. This strategy provides higher flexibility and better potentials because the separate operating divisions can grasp different opportunities. At the same time, different divisions work together on key projects and contribute, as a group, to the achievements and the profit. There are business agreements of cooperation and management within the group. The management relies on the differentiation of the retail brands in order to gain customer loyalty which in turn will enhance the sales growth and business development. (companys official website) To face the market challenges, and because the group has large companies and diverse employees which serves diverse customer segments, the management has continually brought innovations and change to a conventional industry. The group declares that they are both; socially and environmentally responsible which has positive consequences such as increasing employees loyalty, ensuring growth and increasing profit. Moreover, the groups strategy is built on creating a win-win situation for the organization, main stakeholders (such as employees and customers), and the communities where they are functioning. To achieve this strategy, the group has a well established HR department responsible for a large number of employees and workers. With its objectives and goals in mind, Majid Al Futtaim group cares about the human resources working for the group. As an example, we can look at one important division which is Al-Futtaim Electronics Sanyo. In this department, the management has laid down the ground for its human recourses to take ownership of the initiative called Customer 2000. This initiative calls for a change in the staff attitude and approach as well as a change in the working environment as a whole. In other words it is a call for a change in the way business is conducted. This initiative is a mean to enhance productivity and effectiveness of the employees. They are trained to become more alert and aware of the Internal Customers and at the same time they should have the ability to focus on the External Customers. By taking this step, and to be able to coordinate the efforts and expertise of their staff, the management formed a core committee whose role is to open the communication channels between the mana gement and the employees. The committee performs as a forum to convey and formalize the concepts and ideas that will eventually lead to the objective of total customer satisfaction. The committee organizes open sessions and ensures the participation of all the managers and department heads of profit-centers. These sessions provide a chance for healthy discussions and exchange of ideas and points of views. The group functions according to the philosophy of Prosperity through Customer Satisfaction. To face the new challenges and to maintain the growing thrust, the core committee holds its sessions on a weekly basis and ensures through one on one meeting that the information is absorbed by all the staff. (companys official website) THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Strategy and planning process need a powerful management to transfer the perspectives into reality. Al Futtaim is a diversified group and a large organization managed by the owner, Majid Al Futtaim, as the president and the head of the management hierarchy. The chairman is Sir Michael Rake, an international expert who is an asset for the group because of his long experience and professional background. The board consists of a group of members who have particular expertise in certain areas and who can contribute to the decisions and the prosperity of the group. The CEO is Mr. Iyad Malas a young Arab who earned his education in one of the American universities in the region. Mr. Iyad and his executive team are responsible for the strategy for the whole group which includes what the businesses are in addition to the whole financial performance of the group. At this level of the management planning includes anticipation of change in all the functions of the group. The CEO Deputy is Mr. Ahmad Bin Brek, who is also a competent manager who has the ability to lead the group to its goals. The next level is the business executive team which consists of several young and well educated employees who implement the plans and run the business according to the agreed upon and well thought out strategy. Based on the bottom-up input, the business executive managers report to Mr. Iyad and contribute to the business strategy process. The following level in the hierarchy consists of the department heads and their assistants. Their roles are to orient, empower and manage their staff in order to contribute to the general performance of the company. The line managers report to their managers and they in turn report to their presidents who are responsible for the specific business strategy. At the end of the management hierarchy come the line and office managers and their assistants who work in the field with the staff and monitor the implementation of the plans and report to their superiors in the same business unit. At this organizational level the unit executive managers are responsible for the strategy. Part of the groups business planning scenario is the industrial context; economy, government, territories, existing market cultures. The other part is of the planning is the goals and targets which are specified in the groups strategy and the strategic group model. In the second level come the department managers then the line managers then the supervisors who report to their direct managers. In each department there are the employees with different jobs and responsibilities. If the whole working team does not work together, no goals will be achieved. And if the human resources are not satisfied by the working environment in general they will not be able to perform well. (companys official website) At this point, HRM has a main role to play. Without the human resources, none of the aforementioned strategies would be achieved without having efficient employees. These employees must be managed effectively in order to gain their loyalty and ensure that they will perform t the best of their abilities and lead the company to meet the vision, mission, and goals of the company. HRM has several functions all of them are related to the human resources in the group. Some of the functions are the following: RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION One of the most important functions of HRM is the staffing process. This process is costly and time and effort consuming. The HR professionals know that this process should be well planned to save the group the continuous expenses of advertisements, legal procedures, and training the new employees. HRM is responsible for analyzing the jobs, generating job descriptions, advertising the openings, analyzing the applicants CVs, interviewing the candidates, selecting the best candidates and closing the deal by offering the new employees the contract. All these processes are completed in cooperation with the managers of the different departments After signing the contract, the HRM is always ready with an orientation program delivered by the direct managers. The orientation includes the policies and procedures, group culture, security and safety issues, work practices and other related issues to help the new employee to get acquainted with others, place and the new tasks he/she will perform. Later on, when the new employee starts the job, the HRM is responsible, in cooperation with the managers, for the appraisal process. The result of the appraisal helps the HR professionals to set the training plan in order to empower the employee with any required skills. Majid Al Futtaim group has a strategic vision concerning its employees. The strategy recommends that employees be chosen based on fixed criteria. The staffing process, to an extent, ensures recruiting the experienced and efficient employees. As a private LLC, the management worries about the shareholders value and prosperity and the strategies and plans revolve around increasing sales, profit and expansion of business. These reasons are behind hiring effective people who can contribute to the groups success. HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING Also, HRM controls the number of employees and keep it in the appropriate range; too much employees is costly and wasteful of resources. On the other hand, too little employees is a barrier to meet the goals and affects the overall performance of the group. Staffing in Al Futtaim group is affected by many factors such as the budget, the need of expertise and the turn over of employees. Also, the need to control the staffing process depends on the yearly appraisals, business outcomes, and the efficiency of current employees in relation to the change and development. Government regulations and changes in business trend are important factors in terms of increasing or decreasing the number of staff. The role of HRM goes beyond the planning role to implement the plans and take decisions about what is better for the organization. HRM in AL Futtaim Group are seen as reactive rather than being proactive because they are doing the minimum expected from a big and rich group. The reason is not the inefficiency of the HR professionals or in the plans and documentation. The issue is that the group is owned by a family and the last decision is for the owner. Usually in this type of company what really matter is decreasing the expenses and increasing the profit. In this case the HRM cannot implement the change nor can they function according to the international high standard and ideal practices. EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION Empowering and motivating employees to complete their tasks efficiently is an HRM responsibility. Employees must be rewarded for their efforts or else they will transfer to another company and the company will lose their experience and knowledge of the ideal work practices. As mentioned before, recruiting new staff member will cost the company money, effort and time. Moreover, a company with high retention is never the choice of professionals who look for job security. AL Futtaim group care about its human resources. The HRM has a training plan and it was implemented for many years in the past. Now things are changed. The world financial crisis affected the business in general and the extra benefits for the employees are reduced to the minimum and the new workers are getting lower salaries and zero benefits. According to one of the groups employees, the workers are complaining in regards to their salaries and the overall standard of living. As everyone knows, the rents have risen tremendously in the last year. This issue has put a burden on the foreign employees and some of them left the work to another job for less then AED 300 raise in their salaries. This would not happen if the HR management in accordance with the financial department adjusts the pay rate and implement a plan to offer financial reward to the good employees so that the group will gain their loyalty. The employees need to be motivated in order to increase their efforts and work to the best of their abilities. In AL Futtaim Group, Bonuses as incentives are offered to the managers and they are excluding the workers. The common way to encourage the workers is choosing one of the good workers as the employee of the month. This will influence the workers appraisal at the end of the year and the chance of getting a raise becomes higher. More incentives are required if the group wants to attain the loyalty of all the employees. EMPLOYEES APPRAISAL HRM has a main role in assessing the performance of the employees. It is a very important process because the decision makers will have a full picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the staff. Based on the appraisal decisions will be taken to improve the performance of individuals and to point out the potentials within the company. Al Futtaim group HRM pays a special attention to the assessment process. The employees are assessed formally and informally through the year. The main appraisal is conducted on yearly basis and based on the results, some changes are made. Based on the result of the appraisal HRM sets a training plan to enhance the performance of the staff members. Another importance of the yearly appraisals is to link the payments to the competency of the employee. What is happening now is that due to the recession, the group did not give a pay raise to the majority of the staff which has a negative impact on their performance of the individuals. Yet, the appraisal is used efficiently to make use of the talents which already exist in the group. When openings are posted internally, the chance is given to the employees to apply and they are chosen based on their performances, yet not for the upper management posts. The weakness in this process is the results of the appraisal are not used to give the employees the incentives they deserve. The raise in the salaries and wages, if decided, is based on the market situation not on the performance and achievement of the individual. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS Among the HRM roles is to manage the complex employee (industrial relations) between the following parties: Workers and their official and unofficial representatives. Workers and their managers Government, organizations and related agencies. The UAE is shifting to a service based industry. The business requires qualified and skillful people to do the jobs which make the influence of workers more influential. The wise management of the group is aware of this issue and has built, to an extent a relationship with the employees and to maintain the psychological contract with them. HRM in Al Futtaim Group have an industrial relations program. The employees do have a voice and it is reflected in the management actions. A good example is the (customer 2000) project where workers can express themselves while developing their skills. It gives them a chance to get involved in the planning for offering better services to the customers. There are several evidences demonstrating that HRM policies demonstrate groups concern of the individuals performance. As a result we expect to see these policies are well implemented for the benefit of these individuals. Cost based barriers could be responsible for not taking the right actions. Workers are still considered as machines and no margin for mistakes is allowed. The work time is calculated by minutes and the overtime payments are less than the working hours wage. In al Futtaim group there is no win-win situation because the main concern as we have mentioned before is the customer. Satisfying the customer means more profit tor the shareholders. The only benefit for the workers is that they keep their jobs. There are hard workers in the company who were never acknowledged or took any bonus as an appreciation for their achievements. It is true that HRM in A Futtaim Group is effective in terms of generating all the documents which govern the relationship with the employees. HR professionals prepared the job specification, job appraisal, induction programs, training courses, performance management and reward management, malpractice policy, etc. But in general all these documents are for the benefit of the business first and none of them demonstrates the importance of the employee as an individual. So we can say that the importance of the psychological contract is not fully considered. For example, competent employees in Al Futtaim group are offered opportunities to upgrade their positions and their income but these chances are never open to reach to the upper management positions. Such actions affect the relationship with the employees and reduce their loyalty and level of job satisfaction. Another issue is that the cost based management implemented in Al Futtaims private companies affects the psychological contracts with the staff members. Employees lose trust in their management and it would be impossible to retain them. The minute they find a new job they will leave taking with them their experience and their relationships with the customers. A part of the HRM is that the employee relations professionals prepare reports for the management to keep them updated about the current situation, changes or new trends. The mangers/ owners use this information in negotiations, conferences and press releases. The staff interprets and administers the contract in terms of problems, salaries, insurance, safety, management practices etc. in AL Futtaim Group as there are no labor unions or employee association representatives, and this is done with individuals who have no power over the management of the group. So, the real purpose of these negotiations is not achieved. PROVISION OF EMPLOYEE SERVICES Caring about the employees well-being functions is one of the HRM functions which aim to retain good staff and attracting others to work with the company. Services that can be offered to the employees are many. They vary between understanding the personal circumstances of the employee such as extended sick leaves, allowing emergency leaves, and offering loans to the employee in need. Another service is to help the employees to resolve personal issues, to move them to an easier work in case they have special medical needs, and assisting the sick people to benefit from better treatment in better hospitals. In Al Futtaim group HRM has a plan for the provision of employee services but it is not fully amended. The following points can be seen as weaknesses: Number of the disabled people working in the company. Lack of financial and other activities conditions such as sports and hobbies related to the work Offering financial aids to workers in need or maybe having a fund program to help workers in difficulty. On the other hand the group has good safety and security practices. They have a good safety manual with clear policies and procedure. The employees are trained on first aid and evacuation in case of fire. SO we can say that HRM in Al Futtaim group care about their employees in terms of maintaining safety by raising the workers awareness and training them on the policies and procedures. EMPLOYEES TRAINING AND EDUCATION Training the employees to develop their skills and to raise their awareness is one of the HRM functions. Also the training courses are necessary to prepare some of the employees to acquire higher positions. Training and empowering the employees in Al Futtaim is part of the groups promise. The aim behind focusing on training the employees is enhancing the performance of the staff members. As a result of monitoring and assessing the employees work a training plan is set. Lists are prepared and training agencies are approached but, not all the plan is usually implemented. Financial factors affect the process, so sometimes the training courses are cancelled or the number of participants is reduced. The other option is Another plan is usually set for the in house training courses which are better implemented because of the cost is less and the timing can be adjusted. Also from time to time the Group outsources some technical or information based training courses. These trainings are usually attended by the supervisors whom in turn give the information to the workers. This does not work well all the time because not all the supervisors have the ability to train and convey clear information to others. OUR COMMENTS In any organization the HRM is effective when the functions are related to the vision, mission and vision and values. The organizational structure influences the implementation of the plans. In Al Futtaim Group, the HR department is managed by professionals who are aware of and experienced in the best practices of HRM. There are some obstacles which derives from the type, culture, policies and procedures of the Group. As a family business, the main purpose is to satisfy the customers in order to increase the profit. In this case the employees are required to perform to the best of their abilities and no mistakes are allowed. Individuals who have any special circumstances and cannot do the job effectively will not be given the chance to go back to the track. The management will look for a substitute who will not cost the Group extra expenses. The recruitment process is done carefully because the management wants to decrease the expenses. They look for the good qualification in the applicant but the person who will cost them less will be employed. The relation between the management and the individuals is limited to how much this person will benefit the company rather than how can we make this person comfortable and satisfied. The global political and economical issues affects the plans as the group is managed based on cost. Any factor can affect the employees benefit and the company will not accept to pay any extra expenses or increase the HRM budget. In the contrary, if the market is down the budget is decreased. If we are going to compare HRM in Al Futtaim with other similar companies, we can say, as aforementioned, that it has some advantages. Yet, what we are looking for is an HRM who has the authority and the power to fulfill the functions as they should be done. HRM is about the human resources in the group. Their satisfaction influences the outcomes of the group positively. It is not enough to pay the minimum salary and follow the basic labor laws in the country to gain the loyalty of the workers. There are several functions for the HRM that should be decided and implemented internally to distinguish the employees and the business as a whole from others. Open channels with the employees, empowering them, building a relationship with them, offering them opportunities to meet their personal goals, helping them to solve their problems and supporting outside activities will enhance their belonging top the group and will reflect on the work environment and the business as a whole. APPENDIX MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The organizational of the group give an idea of the hierarchy of power in the group. We can see there is a diversity in the managers nationalities which adds to the experiences and the qualifications of the management team as a whole. Al Futtaim Group is managed by qualified people who have a long experience in management of similar industries and who are able to lead the company according to the international standards. .The local and foreign managers are working hand in hand for the benefit of the company and its stakeholders. The group includes several companies and a diverse work force which has to be managed effectively by managers who have cultural awareness and UAE work experience. In AL Futtaim group, the management has proved its efficiency in running the business. In the following page, we included the biography of the chairman and other managers to demonstrate their effectiveness and experience in managing the group and meeting the goals. President Majid Al Futtaim Chairman Sir  Michael Rake   Chief Executive Officer Mr. Iyad Malas Board Members Sir  Michael Rake   Mr. Waldemar Schmidt Mr. Tarek Ben Halim Mr. Richard North Dr. Fahad Almubarak Mr. Paul Manduca Mr. Trevor Coates Mr. Philip Yea Dr. Khalid Alkhazraji   Management Mr.  Iyad Malas   Chief  Executive Officer Mr. Ahmed Bin Brek Deputy Chief Executive Officer http://www.majidalfuttaim.com/images/maf_chart.jpg BIOGRAPHY Majid Al Futtaim Majid Al Futtaim, the Founder and President of the Majid Al Futtaim Group has successfully brought the concepts of regional shopping malls and hypermarkets to the region. His pioneering vision has changed the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Majid Al Futtaim opened his first shopping mall in 1995 and has since created a business of international significance. Over the past decade the Group has taken his groundbreaking concepts into other major cities in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Middle East and North Africa including; Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and Lebanon. Sir  Michael Rake   Sir Michael Rake is Chairman of BT Group and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, as well as a director of Barclays PLC, McGraw-Hill Inc and the Financial Reporting Council. He is also chairman of the private equity oversight group the Guidelines Monitoring Committee. BT pays him an annual salary of  £600,000.[1] From May 2002 to September 2007 Rake was Chairman of KPMG International. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of KPMG International he was Chairman of KPMG in Europe and Senior Partner of KPMG in the United Kingdom. He joined KPMG in 1974, and worked in Continental Europe before transferring to the Middle East to run the practice for three years in 1986. He transferred to London in 1989, became a member of the UK Board in 1991, and had a number of leadership roles in the UK before being elected UK Senior Partner in 1998. Rake is also a Vice President of the RNIB, a member of the Board of the Trans Atlantic Business Dialogue, a member of the CBI International Advisory Board, the Chartered Management Institute, the DTIs US/UK Regulatory Taskforce, the Advisory Council for Business for New Europe, the Ethnic Minority Employment Taskforce, an Association Member of BUPA, The School of Oriental and African Studies Advisory Board, the Advisory Board of the Judge Institute at the University of Cambridge, Senior Adviser for Chatham House and the Global Advisory Board of the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation. He was Chairman of Business in the Community from 2004-2007 and a member of the board of the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum from 1998 to 2007. Rake is also a Governor of Wellington College and a board member of Guards Polo Club. He is married with four children and five stepchildren, and was knighted in 2007. Mr. Iyad Malas Iyad Malas is the CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Trust, the family office of the Majid Al Futtaim family in Dubai. Previously, Mr. Malas was the Regional Director for South Asia for International Finance Corporation, based in New Delhi. He had responsibility for all of IFCs investments in all sectors in the South Asian markets, including India. Mr. Malas worked with IFC beginning in 1987, investing in many regions of the emerging markets and was the Division Manager for Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa before working for four years in Egypt, first as CEO of Fleming CIIC and then as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Asset Management for the preeminent Egyptian investment bank, EFG-Hermes from 2000 to 2004. Mr. Malas was educated at the American University in Beirut and earned an MBA from George Washington University. Mr. Malas is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Murdstones in Charles Dickens Great Expectations :: Charles Dickens Great Expectations Essays

Murdstones in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations I think the Murdstones are the two main villains in the story. Mr.Murdstone, step dad of David, he is evil, cruel and treats David harshly. He hates David and wants him out of the way. Mrs Murdstone, sister of Mr.Murstone also vicious and self-centred. Both of them together ruin the early childhood of David and have control of the Copperfield family. The sheer evilness of the Murdstones resulted in the death of David's mother-Clara, although at one point he did love Clara, but her pretty house and her income probably added to her attractions in his eye. I think worst of all the Murdstones tormented David both physically and psychologically. Dickens is very clever in describing the appearance of the Murdstones, it very much relates to their ruthlessness. He describes the eyes of Mr.Murdstones as "à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. with his ill-omened black eyesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦." Already we are given a warning of impending disaster from the looks of his eyes. ". Shallow black eyeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦an eye that has no depth in it to be looked into" This just shows the wretched character he is. As much as I hate the character, I noticed that Dickens have put a touch of gentleness to the character of Mr.Murdstone. This is stated when David notices his 'handsomer' side. "à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦In spite of my misgivings, a very handsome man." I think this description is very cleverly done. It makes the character more real and life like so we can relate to. It emphasizes "never judge the book by its cover". Miss.Murdstone, sister of Mr.Murstone, doesn't perform well either, description wise. ". Gloomy-looking lady she was: dark, like her brotherà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" This shows the similarities of the characters, not only connected by blood, but also by appearance and by heart. Jane Murdstone is stronger, colder, and more heartless than her brother. Dickens makes her seem inhuman by comparing her to metallic objects, especially locks, chains, and prisons. In a society where a spinster is a dependent creature, she uses her power over her brother to secure a home for herself. "à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Hard lack boxesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" "Hard brass nail." ". Hard steel purseà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦" ". Jail of a bagà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦." ". Heavy chain." ". Metallic lady." All the above quotes describe the 'characters' of the things she carry and how they resemble her. The word "hard" have come up several times and so has anything that has got to do with it. This just shows how much wickedness she posses only in her belongings. I think the main feature in which Dickens expresses that really brings out the villainous of the characters are the things they do. Ever since entering the Copperfield household they have been controlling

Keeping Up with the Joneses Essay

Society has many effects on the narrator in â€Å"Two Kinds† and Madame Loisel in â€Å"The Necklace†. Whether it is helping us achieve feats or our actions in public, we can be affected both negatively and positively. In the short story â€Å"The Necklace† Madame Loisel is dirt poor. When her husband, a simple Clerk, comes home holding a white envelope which says â€Å"The Minister of Education and Mme. Georges Ramponneau beg M. and Mme. Loisel to do them the honor of attending an evening reception at the Ministerial Mansion. Madame Loisel tries her best to look as good as she can at the reception. She even borrows a necklace to look her best at the reception, this is because of how society expects us to look our best and dress up on occasion. In the other short story, Two Kinds, Ni Kan’s mother wants her to be something she doesn’t want her to be. Whether it was opening a restaurant, working for the government, or even building a house to sell it and make a profit. She basically wants her to become a prodigy, which is highly unlikely. My mother believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America. You could open a restaurant. You could work for the government and get good retirement. You could buy a house with almost no money down. You could become rich. You could become instantly famous. â€Å"Of course, you can be a prodigy, too,† my mother told me when I was nine. † Her mother wants her to become a prodigy because of how society has â€Å"molded† her thoughts and actions. Her daughter, she is only best tricky, you can be best anything. What does Auntie Lindo know? For example, her mother forces her to learn the piano, which doesn’t work out very well â€Å"Three days after watching the Ed Sullivan Show my mother told me what my schedule would be for piano lessons and piano practice. She had talked to Mr. Chong†¦ † In both positive and negative ways society has affected me in m any aspects of my life, society has affected how I look, how I do in school, what I want to become after High-School, what I say, how I perform in sports. In conclusion, society in a whole affects everyone, everywhere, every day in every way. This concludes my essay.

Assess the Contribution of Marxism to Our Understanding of the Role of Education Essay

Using material from Item A and elsewhere assess the contribution of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education. As mentioned in Item A, Marxists take a critical view of the role of education. They see society as based on class divisions and capitalist exploitations. The capitalist society is a two class system as mentioned in Item A and it consists of a ruling class, the bourgeoisie and the working class, the proletariat. The bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat according to Marxists and they believe that the education system only serves the needs and interests of the ruling class, as mentioned in Item A.  Marxists also education as functioning to prevent revolution and maintain capitalism. According to Louis Althusser, the state consists of two elements or apparatuses, both which work to keep the bourgeoisie in power. Firstly, the repressive state apparatuses (RSAs), which maintain the rules of the bourgeoisie by force or the threat of it. The RSAs include the police, courts and army. When necessary they use physical force to repress the working class. Secondly, the ideological state apparatuses (ISAs), as mentioned in Item A, maintains the rule of the bourgeoisie by controlling people’s ideas and beliefs. The ISAs include religion, the mass media and the education system. In Althusser’s view, the education system is an important ISA and it performs two important functions. Firstly, it reproduces class inequality by transmitting it from generation to generation, by failing each successive generation of working class pupils in turn, as mentioned in Item A. secondly; it legitimates class inequality by producing ideologies that disguise its true cause. The function of ideology is to persuade workers to accept that inequality is inevitable and that they deserve their subordinate position in society. If they accept these ideas, they are less likely to challenge or threaten capitalism, as mentioned in Item A. Other Marxists such as Bowles and Gintis develop these ideas further. They argue that capitalism requires a workforce with the kind of attitudes, behaviour and personality type suited to their role as alternated and exploited workers willing to accept hard work, low pay and orders from above. In this view, the role of the education system in capitalist society is to reproduce an obedient workforce that will accept inequality as inevitable. From their own studies of 237 New York high school students and their findings of other studies, Bowles and Gintis concluded that schools reward precisely the kind of personality traits that make for a submissive, complaint worker. For instance, they found that students who showed independence and creativity tended to gain low grades, while those who showed characteristics linked to obedience and discipline such as punctuality, tended to gain high grades. From this evidence they concluded that schooling helps to produce the obedient workers that capitalism needs. They do not believe that education fosters personal development. Rather, it stunts and distorts students’ developments. Bowles and Gintis argue that schooling takes place in ‘the long shadow of work’ i. e. work influences education, resulting in close parallels between schooling and work in capitalist society. Relationships and structures found in education mirror or correspond to those of work, hence known as the correspondence principle. For example, in school in a capitalist society reflects work in a capitalist society by distinguishing between the authority and where people fit in the hierarchy; the hierarchy in the school is with the head teacher at the top and then teacher and students and similarly in a workplace there is the head of company followed by department managers and workers. The correspondence principle is seen to operate through the hidden curriculum, which refers to all the things that students learn at school without being formally taught those things. For example, punctuality, conformity and obedience are taught through the hidden curriculum. This is different from the formal curriculum, which refers to the knowledge and skills pupils are taught explicitly in lessons such as math and science. The hidden curriculum therefore consists of ideas, beliefs, norms and values which are often taken for granted and transmitted as part of the normal routines and procedures of school life. Bowles and Gintis argue that it is through the hidden curriculum that the education system prepares us for our future as workers in capitalist society. Bowles and Gintis also argue that in order to prevent rebellion from those disadvantaged by the inequalities of capitalism, it is necessary to produce ideologies that explain and justify inequality as fair, natural and inevitable. If people think inequality is justified then they are less likely to challenge the capitalist system. According to Bowles and Gintis, the education system plays a key role in producing such ideologies. They describe the education system as a giant ‘myth making machine’ and focus on how education promotes the ‘myth of meritocracy’. Meritocracy refers to a system where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve, where rewards are based on ability and effort. This means that those who gain the highest rewards and status deserve it because they are the most able and hardworking. Bowles and Gintis argue that meritocracy does not actually exist. Evidence showed that the main factor determining whether or not someone has a high income is their family and class background, not their ability or educational achievement. By distinguishing this fact, the myth of meritocracy serves to justify the privileges of the higher classes, making it seem that they gained them through open and fair competition at school. This helps persuade the working class to accept inequality as legitimate, and makes it less likely that they will seek to overthrow capitalism. The education system also justifies poverty, through what Bowles and Gintis describe as the ‘poor-and-dumb’ theory of failure. It does so by blaming poverty on the individual rather than blaming capitalism. It therefore plays an important part in reconciling workers to their exploited position, making them less likely to rebel against the system. All Marxists agree that capitalism cannot function without a workforce that is willing to accept exploitation. Likewise, all Marxists see education as reproducing and legitimating class inequality. That is, it ensures that working class pupils are slotted into and learn to accept jobs that are poorly paid and alienating. However, whereas Bowles and Gintis see education as a fairly straightforward process of indoctrination into the myth of meritocracy, Paul Willis’ study shows that working class pupils can resist such attempts to indoctrinate them. As a Marxist, Willis is interested in the way schooling serves capitalism. However, he combines this with an interactionist approach that focuses on the meanings pupils give to their situation and how these enable them to resist indoctrination. Through his study, Willis found that the lads (12 working class boys), form a distinct counter-culture opposed to the school. They are scornful of the conformist boys who they call the ear’oles. The lads find school boring and meaningless and they flout its rules and values, for example by smoking and drinking, disrupting classes and playing truant. These acts are a way of resisting school. They reject a ‘con’ the school’s meritocratic ideology that working class pupils can achieve middle class jobs through hard work. Willis notes the similarity between this anti school counter-culture and the shop floor culture of male manual workers. Both cultures see manual work as superior and intellectual ork as inferior and effeminate and this explains why they see themselves as superior both to girls and effeminate ear’oles to aspire to non manual jobs. Their resistance explains why they end up in these very jobs themselves- inferior in terms of pay and conditions- that capitalism needs someone to perform. For example, having been accustomed to boredom and to finding ways of amusing themselves in school, they don’t expect satisfaction from work and are good at finding diversions to cope with the tedium of unskilled labour. Marxist approaches are useful in exposing the myth of meritocracy. They show the role that education plays as an ideological state apparatus, serving the interests of capitalism by reproducing and legitimating class inequality. However, postmodernists criticise Bowles and Gintis’ correspondence principle on the grounds that today’s post-Fordist economy requires schools to produce a very different kind of labour force from the one described by Marxists. Postmodernists argue that education now reproduces diversity, not inequality. Marxists disagree with one another as to how reproduction and legitimation take place. Bowles and Gintis take a deterministic view. That is, they assume that pupils have no free will and passively accept indoctrination. This approach fails to explain why pupils ever reject the school’s values. By contrast, Willis rejects the view that school simply ‘brainwashes’ pupils into passively accepting their fate. By combining Marxists and interactionist approaches he shows how pupils may resist the school and yet how this still leads them into working class jobs. However, critics argue that Willis’ account of the lads romanticizes them, portraying them as working class heroes despite their anti social behaviour and sexist attitudes. His small scale study of only 12 boys in one school is also unlikely to be representative of other pupils’ experience and it would e risky to generalize his findings. Critical modernists such as Raymond Morrow and Carlos Torres criticise Marxists for taking a class first approach that sees class as the key inequality and ignores other all other kinds. Instead, like postmodernists, Morrow and Torres argue that society is now more diverse. They see non-class inequalities, such as ethnicity, gender and sexuality, as equally important. They argue that sociologists must explain how education reproduces and legitimates all forms of inequality, not just class, and how the different forms of inequality are inter-related. Feminists make a similar point. For example, as Madeleine Macdonald argues, Bowles and Gintis ignore the fact that schools reproduce not only capitalism, but patriarchy too as females are largely absent from Willis’ study. However, Willis’ work has stimulated a great deal of research into how education reproduces and legitimates other inequalities.

Role of an Army leader Essay Essays

Role of an Army leader Essay Essays Role of an Army leader Essay Essay Role of an Army leader Essay Essay The function of an army leader is to supply intent. way. and motive to soldiers while go oning to transport out the mission or undertaking that is at manus. As a leader in the ground forces. one must keep their cognition of the criterions of behavior. policy. jurisprudence. regulations of battle. and the Geneva Conventions. Leaderships of the ground forces must be able to understand that their actions. behaviours. and determinations are a direct reflects of their leading and the ground forces as a whole. As a leader in the ground forces. one must be able to stand for the army’s leading values as a direct representation and they must be able to be a function theoretical account for their soldiers to follow. Army leaders are committed to developing value based leading and seeing to the wellbeing of Soldiers and their households. The function of an army leader extends influence beyond the direct concatenation of bid. An army leader is a direct representation of the organisation in which they represent and the armed forces in general. As a leader in the ground forces. one must take by illustration and must be a direct representation of the criterion and of good behaviour. Leaderships are responsible for set uping and keeping positive outlooks and attitudes. which produce the scene for positive attitudes and effectual work behaviours. Leaderships must be able to promote and back up the growing of persons and squads to ease the accomplishment of organisational ends. Leaderships need to fix others to presume places within the organisation. guaranting a more various and productive organisation. Guidance is an of import of being a leader in the ground forces by guaranting those undertakings are consistent and accomplished in a timely mode. Harmonizing to Army Regulation 600-100 ( AR 600-100 ) . there are three degrees of leading. The degrees of leading are direct. organisational. and strategic. As a direct leader. you are the frontline leader to the soldiers such as their squad leaders or squad leaders. Direct leaders are responsible for constructing cohesive bonds amongst their squad and to authorise their subsidiaries along with implementing policies to be able to carry through the mission. As a direct leader. you must be able to run independently. but within the bounds of the commander’s purpose. Organizational leaders on the other manus are those that must cover at higher echelons such as a battalion or brigade degree. Their policies influence the bid clime. and they must be adept in communicating. dialogue. critical logical thinking. and interpersonal accomplishments. They must be skilled at complex determination devising and job resolution and hold a good apprehension of the full scope of full-spectrum operations. Strategic leaders set the organisational construction. allocate resources. and joint the strategic vision. Strategic leading involves running the ground forces from developing strategic programs. policies. counsel. and Torahs to finding force construction designs based on future mission demands and capablenesss. As a strategic leader they must be able to prioritise over-arching ground forces plans against viing involvements while jointing ground forces plans and policies to the highest degrees of DOD and the authorities. All leaders have the duty of mentoring those junior enlisted soldiers below them in rank and to develop them to the fullest extent possible. Army leaders can develop junior soldiers through preparation and instruction and are responsible for supplying feedback to the soldier through guidance. coaching. and mentoring. As a leader when you coach a junior soldier. you are simply supplying counsel to the soldier in ways to carry through a undertaking at manus. Coaching is a tool best used to convey out that single quality as a future leader and to heighten their leading abilities. One of the most of import functions as an army leader is to mentor lesser experient soldiers and assist them to make their fullest possible both personal and professional. Leader must be able to mentor soldiers in both a professional and insouciant mode. Another function of a leader is to develop soldiers in a manner that they will represent the warrior ethos as it is stated in the soldier’s credo. The ground forces has a committedness to the development of its hereafter leaders by supplying the proper preparation in values. properties. and progressively complex and unstable universe. Respect and leading is something that goes manus in manus. To be a good leader. you must be able to derive regard in order to be a good leader and be able to keep moral amongst the soldiers in which you are trying to take. The definition of regard is an attitude of respect. esteem. or esteem ; to pay proper attending to and demo consideration towards an person and to handle them politely. Respect is something that is need in the ground forces due to the fact that as single advancements in rank they take on more duties and must be able to take soldiers and in order to take soldiers. first you must be able to give regard to your soldiers for them to demo you respect. Without regard in the ground forces there would be no signifier of order or criterion in which a leader can keep a soldier to as a usher to follow. Respect is an property that must be earned in order to be given. In order to acquire regard. you must foremost be able to handle soldiers with regard and as grownups. Respect is a major facet in mundane life in both a professional and personal mode. Respect is the foundation on which our society lives. The darkest times in our country’s history can be traced to a deficiency of regard. When Torahs are ignored there can be no civility. The Torahs in our society are based on regard. both for ourselves and those around us. For one to be considered a good leader there must be an even sum of leading and regard that is portrayed to the soldiers. Soldiers are more disposed to esteem leaders that show them respect alternatively of those that do non demo them esteem. As a leader of soldiers. you must be able to divide the line from friend and leader but must be able to give regard in order to acquire regard. Respect is one of the nucleus ground forces values and every soldier should populate by it if they are portion of the ground forces and they must adhere to the ground forces values in their mundane lives.

The Physician Hippocrates and Greek Medicine

The Physician Hippocrates and Greek Medicine Hippocrates, the father of medicine, may have lived from c. 460-377 B.C., a period covering the Age of Pericles and the Persian War. Like other details about Hippocrates, we really know very little beyond the fact that he is considered a great physician and was counted the greatest by the ancient Greeks. Born in Cos, site of an important temple of Asclepius, god of medicine, Hippocrates may have studied medicine with his father. He traveled around Greece training medical students that there are scientific reasons for ailments. Before him, medical conditions were attributed to divine intervention. Hippocrates maintained that all diseases have natural causes. He made diagnoses and prescribed simple treatments like diet, hygiene, and sleep. Hippocrates is the author of the saying Life is short, and the Art long (from his Aphorisms). The name Hippocrates is familiar because of the oath that doctors take (Hippocratic Oath) and a body of early medical treatises that are attributed to Hippocrates (Hippocratic corpus), which includes the Aphorisms. Hippocrates and Humoral Theory Quiz Hippocrates Medical Texts Hippocrates is on the list of Most Important People to Know in Ancient History. Also Known As: The Father of Medicine, the divine old man, Hippocrates of Cos Examples: Hippocrates of Cos isnt the mathematician Hippocrates of Chios. Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyz

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 5

Case Study Example Ahmed. It is not possible to cure Mr. Ahmed. Under these circumstances, Nurse Janet Simpson suggested the family members to talk with Dr. Hopkins and the staff Imam from pastoral care sitting in a conference room. The Imam explained to Doctor Hopkins that according to their religious belief, cessation of brain activity is not considered as death of a human being. At the same time, the Imam explained the family members that according to the medical staff, very soon Mr. Ahmed’s brain would cease functioning. It would be considered as death, even though cardiovascular system might still function. As time passed, Mr. Ahmed became a brain dead person. Dr. Hopkins again approached the family with the same request, to turn off the ventilator. However, family members did not agree to it, and Nurse Simpson also reminded Dr. Hopkins about what the Imam said. Dr. Hopkins was in a quandary. She answered the Nurse; â€Å"By the death, we mean brain death and that is the law†. Shite religious beliefs do not consider that the cessation of brain activity is death of a human being. This is Mr. Ahmed’s familys religious belief. This is client’s autonomy. This is client’s family’s autonomy. Dr. Hopkins, as a physician understands that she has to fulfill her medical duty by turning off the ventilator, because the patient is a brain dead person. This is Dr. Hopkins autonomy as a physician. She cannot exercise this autonomy. Her act may be classified as malfeasance, or considered to be against the beneficences to Mr. Ahmed and his family. The dilemma is a situation in which the choices of one of two opposing decisions are equally difficult. Dr. Hopkins choice is to turn off the ventilator or stay with the Shite religious belief. She understands that Mr. Ahmed medically is a dead person. Keeping the ventilator on she cannot perform a miracle. At the same time, she understands she has to follow Shite Muslim cultural tradition. Dr. Hopkins

Violence on Television Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Violence on Television - Essay Example There is no doubt that television has its good side. It can be both entertaining as well as educational. It gives good opportunity for children to learn more about different cultures, and gain exposure to ideas they may never encounter in their own community.Besides, it also gives them a chance to see different places and learn about various aspects on life in different parts of the world. In addition, there are also several motivational programs with positive role models and good moral stories that can influence kids to change their behavior for the better (UMHS n. pag, 2007). However, the concern today is the impact of violence that is projected in the television. Ever since the beginning of television, the effect of TV violence on society has been commonly studied and strongly debated. There are several studies that provide evidence that violence in television can be linked to the real life violence. For instance, a study conducted by four universities and financed by the cable industry found that of nearly 2,700 shows analyzed in a 20 week survey of 23 channels, 57% were said to contain at least some violence (Zoglin 58-61). [1] One of the biggest concerns is the negative effect of television on children. Researchers hypothesize that viewing TV violence can lead to three potentially harmful effects: increased antisocial or aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence (becoming more accepting of violence in real life and less caring about other people's feelings), or increased fear of becoming a victim of violence (Smith and Donnerstein 167-202).12 [2] Television can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior. Unfortunately, much of today's television programming is violent. Children and adolescent concur some of the negative moral influences through TV such as media violence, portrayals of sexual exploitation and attitudes, vulgarity and rudeness, intense and disturbing imagery, passive watching - the "couch potato" syndrome, alcoholism, drug abuse, and other kinds of disturbing activities. For example, the average American child will witness 200,000 violent acts on television by age 18 (Dowshen and Gavin n. pag 2005). These may lead to serious psychological problems. Too much of TV means that children not exercising, reading, socializing, or spending time outside. Children, who view violent events, are also more likely to believe that the world is scary and that something bad will happen to them. These could have serious negative influence on the growth and development of the child. A review of scientific literature on media violence provides ample evidences that the connection of media violence to real-life aggressive behavior and violence has been largely exposed (Donnerstein and Linz 271-284). Estimates suggest that as much as 10% to 20% of real-life violence may be a duplication of media violence (Comstock and Strasburger 495-509). National Television Violence Study presented the following after a three years study: nearly two thirds of all programming contains violence; children's shows contain the most violence; portrayals of violence are usually glamorized; and perpetrators often go unpunished (Federman 1998). Violence on television can influence people to commit crimes. There is an increase of juvenile crimes in the world. While television violence is not the only cause of aggressive or violent behavior, researchers believe that it is clearly a significant factor. It is important

Mate choice & plumage polymorphism in the feral pigeon (Columba livia) Essay

Mate choice & plumage polymorphism in the feral pigeon (Columba livia) - Essay Example Assortative mating is a process where two similar or dissimilar individuals mate where as Disassortative mating involves choosing of a partner for progeny benefits from the range of the parental genotypes. Aim of this paper is to evaluate the association of plumage polymorphism and mate choice in feral pigeons using Chi-square test. In particular, this paper analyzes the plumage colour preference as either dependent or independent in the mating process of the male and female feral pigeons. If the pigeons choose their partner in harmony with plumage colour then it is defined as dependent pairing and if they choose their partner without considering colour then it is independent pairing with respect to plumage colours. The purpose of the study is to understand feral pigeon’s plumage based mating increases the reproductive output and extend their lifespan which are also based on environmental conditions. The colour categories used for this study are melanic, blue-grey and other colours including pale/brown pigeons. â€Å"The other colours noted in feral pigeons are faded, pale, reduced, opal, indigo, milky, pearl eye and more.† (Miller 1997). The research on feral pigeons plumage based mating is carried as described in academic handbook using Chi-square test of independence. Chi-square test of independence tests the association between two definite variables. Colour of males’ plumage and colours of females’ plumage are the variables used in this test. The result (χ2) is then looked up on a Chi-square (χ2) table with a number of degrees of freedom (df). â€Å"We determine df for the Test of Independence by the formula df = (r-1)(c-1), where r = the number of rows and c = the number of columns.† (Yount 2006, p.6). â€Å"Chi-squared distribution table.† (The chi-squared distribution table, n.d.). ‘Expected Value’ Calculation: Using the ratios (relative frequencies) of three colour morphs in observed population, the expected values

Human Resource Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Human Resource Management - Research Paper Example The benefits scheme, recruitment of individuals, motivation, communication, morale boosting, safety of the employees, and recruitment must all revolve around human resource management. In the words of Cornelius (2001), individuals have to be well managed, as well as the culture and environment in which they work. Through HRM, the employees are given an opportunity to be effective and productive in their lines of duty. Accomplishment of the organizational goals is only possible through direction and rules imposed on the employees through HRM. Proper implementation of HRM roles sees the success of the organization, and providing a sense of direction to the employees. Organizations are expected to not only to thrive with HRM, but also accomplish a lot (Swanson & Holton, 2001). This piece shall aim at highlighting various aspects of HRM- recruitment, training, management, compensation, training, selection, affirmative action amongst others, and how they impact on the organizational succe ss and performance. The essay shall also focus on the importance of having all these aspects coordinated and linked in an attempt to see to the success of the organizations. To a great extent, none of these aspects is more important than the other, since all contribute greatly to the ultimate organization’s success. ... Swanson & Holton (2001) indicate that in employee and labor relations, the administration and staff are able to continuously develop the staff by training them and having proper avenues towards solving the employee issues. Compliance with the laws of the organization and that of the state is possible through adherence of the policy of employee and labor relations. These relations are useful, according to Swanson & Holton (2001), for proper investigation of cases and issues that relate to the employees, for instance harassment, discrimination amongst others that are carefully scrutinized and assessed. Discipline among the employees is of high standards since the employers are able to closely monitor discipline of the employees, as well as coach and guide them on the need to uphold proper standards and adhere to the code of conduct of the organization. Employee and labor relations department is also helpful in coordinating and conducting collective bargaining processes for the employee s (Swanson & Holton, 2001). Implementation and interpretation of the employee contracts is well scrutinized by this department; thus, minimal grievances in the organization. Employees are also mobilized to act as a group, all in an endeavor to implement the organizational goals and objectives. In essence, the employee and labor relations department should always offer direction in all employee related issues, in the mission to execute goals and values of the concerned organization. Occupational  Safety and Health  (OSH) The right to safe and healthy working condition has to be exercised by all the employees, in an attempt to attain the organizational goals.

Putting Man on the Moon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Putting Man on the Moon - Essay Example This paper tells that the news of man going to the moon came about during the Cold War. The Cold War was characterized by a fierce competition between the then Soviet Union and the United States to obtain superpower status and world dominance. The competition involved a show of strength and this invariably necessitated showing proof that one country had better and more destructive weapons and better technology than the other. It is therefore conceivable that the claims of putting a man on the moon were no more than a hoax to convince the world of technological superiority. Be that as it may, both the US and the Soviet Union claim to have accomplished this feat and no scientist stepped forward to state that man cannot land on the moon. Neither have scientists denied that man can orbit in space. Moreover, there is no evidence that the media stories depicting a man on the moon were manufactured. Any view to the contrary is purely speculative. However, it does give one food for thought. Does competition drive success? In other words, if we are in a race to outdo an opponent, can we accomplish anything to show the rival up? It would certainly seem so. The old man’s analogy began to eat away at me and left me pondering several ironies. Every day we are saturated by media reports of national and international conundrums with no sign of relief. For instance, the world recession is spreading and man is powerless to resolve the problem. Likewise, children go missing every day and try as we like, man is powerless to find them and return them to their families safely. Yet man was able to travel to the moon and return safely.

Trade Liberalisation And Issues For Multinational Corporations Essay

Trade Liberalisation And Issues For Multinational Corporations - Essay Example Trade liberalisation, as the term indicates, is about liberalising or freeing the trade from national restrictions and boundaries. In the modern world spectrum, this term is mostly taken to reflect the system of global free trading, where international trade is allowed freely without any restrictions such as tariffs and trade bans. As Javier (2005, pS05) rightly delineate the term trade liberalisation as "the international trade of goods or services without tariffs or other trade barriers; the free movement of labour and capital between countries; and the absence of trade-distorting policies, such as taxes, subsidies, regulations, or laws, that give domestic firms or goods an advantage over foreign ones". It suggests that the trade liberalisation implies trading activities on a national or international scale, where goods can be imported or exported without restrictions or tariffs and quotas, people (skilled and unskilled) are allowed to move freely nationally or internationally, and removal of any laws on the part of the government that are likely to hinder the trade. Shah (2006) refers to trade liberalisation as a system making it convenient to trade within as well as outside the nation owing to the self-concern of individuals. The The increasing debate on the issue has arisen out of the efforts of International Financial Institutions and organisations to support the phenomenon of 'trade liberalisation'. These institutions such as

Human Resource Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Human Resource Management - Research Paper Example The benefits scheme, recruitment of individuals, motivation, communication, morale boosting, safety of the employees, and recruitment must all revolve around human resource management. In the words of Cornelius (2001), individuals have to be well managed, as well as the culture and environment in which they work. Through HRM, the employees are given an opportunity to be effective and productive in their lines of duty. Accomplishment of the organizational goals is only possible through direction and rules imposed on the employees through HRM. Proper implementation of HRM roles sees the success of the organization, and providing a sense of direction to the employees. Organizations are expected to not only to thrive with HRM, but also accomplish a lot (Swanson & Holton, 2001). This piece shall aim at highlighting various aspects of HRM- recruitment, training, management, compensation, training, selection, affirmative action amongst others, and how they impact on the organizational succe ss and performance. The essay shall also focus on the importance of having all these aspects coordinated and linked in an attempt to see to the success of the organizations. To a great extent, none of these aspects is more important than the other, since all contribute greatly to the ultimate organization’s success. ... Swanson & Holton (2001) indicate that in employee and labor relations, the administration and staff are able to continuously develop the staff by training them and having proper avenues towards solving the employee issues. Compliance with the laws of the organization and that of the state is possible through adherence of the policy of employee and labor relations. These relations are useful, according to Swanson & Holton (2001), for proper investigation of cases and issues that relate to the employees, for instance harassment, discrimination amongst others that are carefully scrutinized and assessed. Discipline among the employees is of high standards since the employers are able to closely monitor discipline of the employees, as well as coach and guide them on the need to uphold proper standards and adhere to the code of conduct of the organization. Employee and labor relations department is also helpful in coordinating and conducting collective bargaining processes for the employee s (Swanson & Holton, 2001). Implementation and interpretation of the employee contracts is well scrutinized by this department; thus, minimal grievances in the organization. Employees are also mobilized to act as a group, all in an endeavor to implement the organizational goals and objectives. In essence, the employee and labor relations department should always offer direction in all employee related issues, in the mission to execute goals and values of the concerned organization. Occupational  Safety and Health  (OSH) The right to safe and healthy working condition has to be exercised by all the employees, in an attempt to attain the organizational goals.

Trade Liberalisation And Issues For Multinational Corporations Essay

Trade Liberalisation And Issues For Multinational Corporations - Essay Example Trade liberalisation, as the term indicates, is about liberalising or freeing the trade from national restrictions and boundaries. In the modern world spectrum, this term is mostly taken to reflect the system of global free trading, where international trade is allowed freely without any restrictions such as tariffs and trade bans. As Javier (2005, pS05) rightly delineate the term trade liberalisation as "the international trade of goods or services without tariffs or other trade barriers; the free movement of labour and capital between countries; and the absence of trade-distorting policies, such as taxes, subsidies, regulations, or laws, that give domestic firms or goods an advantage over foreign ones". It suggests that the trade liberalisation implies trading activities on a national or international scale, where goods can be imported or exported without restrictions or tariffs and quotas, people (skilled and unskilled) are allowed to move freely nationally or internationally, and removal of any laws on the part of the government that are likely to hinder the trade. Shah (2006) refers to trade liberalisation as a system making it convenient to trade within as well as outside the nation owing to the self-concern of individuals. The The increasing debate on the issue has arisen out of the efforts of International Financial Institutions and organisations to support the phenomenon of 'trade liberalisation'. These institutions such as

Value Creation and Business Success Essay Example for Free

Value Creation and Business Success Essay Copyright  © 1998 Pegasus Communications, Inc. (www. pegasuscom. com). All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without written permission from Pegasus Communications, Inc. If you wish to distribute copies of this article, please contact our Permissions Department at 781-398-9700 or [emailprotected] com. The most successful organizations understand that the purpose of any business is to create value for customers, employees, and investors, and that the interests of these three groups are inextricably linked. Therefore, sustainable value cannot be created for one group unless it is created for all of them. The first focus should be on creating value for the customer, but this cannot be achieved unless the right employees are selected, developed, and rewarded, and unless investors receive consistently attractive returns. What do we mean by value creation? For the customer, it entails making products and providing services that customers find consistently useful. In todays economy, such value creation is based typically on product and process innovation and on understanding unique customer needs with ever-increasing speed and precision. But companies can innovate and deliver outstanding service only if they tap the commitment, energy, and imagination of their employees. Value must therefore be created for those employees in order to motivate and enable them. Value for employees includes being treated respectfully and being involved in decision-making. Employees also value meaningful work; excellent compensation opportunities; and continued training and development. Creating value for investors means delivering consistently high returns on their capital. This generally requires both strong revenue growth and attractive profit margins. These, in turn, can be achieved only if a company delivers sustained value for customers. If the purpose of business is value creation, it follows that the mission of any company should be defined in terms of its primary value-adding activities. Simply put, Honda should think of itself primarily as a maker and marketer of quality automobiles. McDonalds should think of itself as providing meals of consistent quality throughout the world, in a clean, friendly atmosphere, etc. While this may seem obvious, many managers and strategists behave as though the day-to-day business of a firm is irrelevant. Hence, an oil company might buy a hotel chain, while a national chain of automobile service centers is caught systematically charging customers for unnecessary repairs. What conception of business lies behind these actions? Typically it is a very narrow definition of purpose: to maximize the wealth of the shareholders, or to achieve a set of short-term financial goals. Managers are expected to address shareholder wealth, earnings growth, and return on assets, but the most successful firms understand that those measures should not be the primary targets of strategic management. Achieving attractive financial performance is the reward for having aimed at (and hit) the real target; i. e. , maximizing the value created for the primary constituents of the firm. Paradoxically, it is when an organization thinks of itself as a financial engine whose purpose is to generate attractive financial returns that the company is least likely to maximize those returns in the long run. Often, finance people end up shuffling a portfolio of assets in a self-destructive quest for growth businesses or superior returns, with no real understanding of the value-creation dynamics of the businesses they are acquiring and selling. Or, as with the automotive service chain, attempts to profit without delivering superior value end in lost business, long-term customer alienation, and corporate disgrace. Redefining an Organizations Self-Interest Why do managers so often choose not to focus on value creation and instead ake decisions that systematically decrease the long-term value of their businesses? One reason may be that their training and education lead them to define their organizations interests too narrowly. This narrow view is powerfully reinforced by financial accounting systems that were well adapted to the industrial economy, but are inadequate in the information economy. The accounting and finance conventions of the industrial age are good at valuing tangible assets, but they largely ignore the value of harder-to-quantify assets like employee satisfaction, learning, RD effectiveness, customer loyalty, etc. In the information age, those intangible assets are far more important than the bricks and mortar that traditional accounting systems were designed to measure. If management defines the organizations self-interest (and consequently its goals) too narrowly—for example, to maximize this years or this quarters reported earnings—it will view that interest as being at odds with the interests of customers and employees. Given that perspective, in the short term every dollar spent on employee training is a dollar of lost profit. Every additional dollar squeezed out of a customer, even if it comes at the cost of poor service or price gouging, improves this quarters results. This approach is based on win/lose or zero-sum thinking: The underlying assumption is that there is a fixed pie of value to be divided up among customers, employees, and investors, so the interests of the three groups must be traded off against one another (see Zero-Sum Versus Win/Win Thinking). Companies that act on this myopic conception of self-interest may stumble into a downward spiral of poor decision-making that is difficult to reverse (see When Customers Defect). For example, as reduced employee training and compensation lead to low employee morale and poor performance, and as underfunded RD allows a product line to age, customers can become dissatisfied and begin to defect. In situations where customers are locked-in owing to large investments in proprietary equipment or some other temporary monopoly effect, they may not defect immediately. Instead, they will become increasingly alienated and defect as soon as a technology shift, regulatory change, or competitive offering allows it. When customers inally do defect, profits shrink, tempting management to cut back even further on training, compensation, and RD, thus accelerating the spiral of customer dissatisfaction and defection. Expanding the Pie Alternatively, if managers define their companys interests broadly enough to include the interests of customers and employees, an equally powerful spiral of value creation can occur. Highly motivated, well-trained, properly rewarded employees deliver outstanding service, while effective RD investments lead to products that enjoy a significant value-adding advantage and generate higher margins. Satisfied, loyal customers (and new customers responding to word-of-mouth referrals) drive revenue growth and profitability for investors. Clearly, the undesirable reinforcing processes described in When Customers Defect can work in reverse. This win/win scenario is illustrated in the figure Zero-Sum Versus Win/Win Thinking. An expanding the pie approach to management requires that a company alter its thinking along several dimensions. Time horizons and perceived self-interest. The time horizon within which you evaluate a business decision dramatically influences your notion of self-interest. Considered at an instantaneous moment in time, virtually any transaction is a win/lose or zero-sum game. At the moment you spend a dollar on employee training, that dollar is in fact lost to the shareholder. Conversely, in a well-designed value-creation system, almost any transaction can become a win/win or positive-sum game, if it is managed within the context of an appropriately long time frame. For example, if a companys rate of return on the dollar invested in employee training is 20 percent (in the form of higher productivity, increased sales effectiveness, etc. ), then the shareholder hasnt lost a dollar—he has gained a stream of future cash flows that represents an attractive return on investment. One way to build an understanding of these dynamics is to identify the key capabilities, resources, and relationships that are the basic ingredients of value creation for a particular firm, and to think of those ingredients as assets that either grow or diminish over time, depending upon how they are managed. It is useful to map a companys key assets by building four Strategic Balance Sheets focused on customers, employees, processes, and investors (see Balance Sheet Dynamics). In building the balance sheets, managers must first decide which assets are the most important drivers of the companys value-creation system. For example, employee learning and job satisfaction are two assets that could be tracked on the Employee Balance Sheet. As managers identify the strategic assets that belong on the various balance sheets, they also must articulate the relationships among those assets. By tracing the dynamics through which customer, employee, and process assets accumulate, interact, and ultimately drive profitable growth, a company will be well on its way to managing the fundamentals of value creation and avoiding the pitfalls of managing by a set of narrow financial measures. Expanding the pie between a company and its employees. In a true win/win dynamic, two or more parties aim first to create more total value, then concern themselves with distributional issues (who gets what share). When the parties focus first on dividing the pie, they are diverted from the innovative strategies that could have made everyone better off. One way in which companies and employees can expand the pie is flexible work schedules. If an employee has the freedom to see to personal business (while completing all required work), the employee is better off, and the employer is likely to benefit from higher morale and the ability to attract and hold onto the best people. A key element of win/win scenarios is that they are aimed more at creating opportunity than at minimizing costs. Outback Steakhouse has become a very successful, rapidly growing business by resisting the temptation to view a dollar of additional compensation to employees as a dollar of lost income to the shareholder. Outback has made its restaurant managers partners, attracting the best, most experienced people in the industry with a compensation system that more traditionally managed chains would view as ludicrously extravagant. Outbacks general managers sign a five-year contract and invest $25,000 up front. In return, each manager receives 10 percent of her units cash flow (earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation) on top of a base salary of $45,000. In 1994, total manager compensation averaged $118,600. In addition, managers receive 4,000 shares of stock, which vest over the five-year contract period. All hourly employees participate in a stock ownership plan as well. Another Outback innovation—not opening for lunch—generates benefits for investors, employees, and customers. Because they dont compete for lunch business, restaurants can be located in less costly suburban locations instead of expensive business centers. The benefit to managers and employees is that they work only one shift per day. Outback also insists that managers work only five days per week to avoid burnout and high turnover. Finally, focusing on dinner allows the restaurants to maintain high levels of food quality. From its 1987 founding, Outback grew to 420 restaurants by the end of 1996 in a very crowded, competitive industry. Over the last five years, revenues have grown at a 55 percent annual rate, while earnings have increased 36. 5 percent per year. For the year ending September 1997, Outbacks 20. percent return on equity placed it in the top 5 percent of restaurants (restaurant industry average ROE was 10. 6 percent). The Outback story illustrates one of the key characteristics of successful win/win thinking: The companys strategy is based on a systemic view of the entire value-creation process, and it seeks to align the key elements of that process. For example, if the restaurants were in higher rent locations, they might be more tempted to open at lunch to cover that cost. If managers worked longer hours, turnover would be higher and the partnership model that motivates those managers would be unworkable. If the quality of the food dropped, the number of meals from repeat customers would decrease, putting pressure on margins and tempting the owners to cut compensation to restore profits, etc. Expanding the pie between a company and its customers. As markets become increasingly competitive and one industry after another is forced to deliver greater value in the form of lower prices, higher quality, or both, companies in those industries respond to the mounting pressure with one of two broad approaches. Many firms focus narrowly on cost-cutting measures, playing an intensified win/lose game with their suppliers (pressuring them for cost concessions) and their employees (squeezing them to work longer hours for the same compensation or to do their own jobs plus the jobs of their laid-off former colleagues). This approach can yield some short-term profit increases, but it is not sustainable. You can only squeeze so hard for so long. A smaller number of forward-thinking firms innovate their way out of this zero-sum dilemma. For example, instead of focusing on individual transactions, such as the cost of a particular product, these firms examine the entire value-creation chain associated with their products (and their customers use of those products) and devise ways to make the entire system more effective. This increase in effectiveness often creates enough new value that the buyers total costs can be significantly reduced while the suppliers margins can be maintained or even increased. One example of this kind of value-chain innovation is the Custom Sterile program of Allegiance, Inc. a leading healthcare cost management and product distribution company. Under the Custom Sterile program, all of the supplies needed for a particular surgical procedure are collected, packaged together, and sterilized in advance at an Allegiance facility. This helps hospitals to standardize and optimize their use of surgical supplies, and creates dramatic savings compared to the traditional process, in which expensive nursing labor locates the supplies from storage facilities within the hospital, collects them, and sterilizes them for each operation. The innovation is also good for Allegiance. Instead of having their margins relentlessly squeezed in a series of transaction-focused, commodity sales, the company has created a relationship-focused, high-value-added offering that justifies higher margins. This is the best kind of win/win outcome: using innovation to create a value (and margin) umbrella from which all parties can benefit. Competition and Customer Value Another fallacy that has cropped up in much of the literature on strategy is that the purpose of business is to beat the competition. There is no question that competition, like profit, is an important dimension that companies must be aware of and manage to successfully create value in the long run. For example, a company typically creates value for customers and superior returns for investors by producing goods or services that are better than their competitors at meeting a set of clearly defined needs for a specific set of customers. So competition is a key variable in determining whether a product or service provides a differentiated benefit to the customer, and one that she is willing to pay a premium for. However, competition should never divert management from the primary task of creating those benefits by understanding and anticipating target customers needs, excelling in product and process innovation, providing outstanding service, etc. Thus, we need to think of competition not as a goal, but as part of the business environment—a key element of the context in which a firm seeks to create value. What then become critical are the alternative responses to competition undertaken by different firms, some of which are more likely to succeed than others, given the nature of the business environment. In the emerging information economy, the most successful responses to competition focus on two areas: (1) innovation that drives down the cost of products and services while increasing their quality and variety, and (2) building a deeper understanding of changing customer needs within increasingly specific market segments. Responses that are rooted in a win/lose framework, such as taking share from existing competitors in a zero-sum game, gaining power over customers (for example, by locking them into a proprietary computer operating system), or seeking to become the low-cost producer without simultaneously driving for world-class quality, are extremely dangerous. Many of them pit the interest of the company against the interest of the customer—a prescription for customer alienation and long-term disaster. The most fundamental weakness of those win/lose responses to competition is that they divert management from the more important engines of value creation in the information economy: innovation, imagination, cooperation, and knowledge. Managements time, creativity, energy, and imagination are among the scarcest organizational resources. At the same time, they are by far the resources that yield the highest returns. So it is important to recognize that all of the time, energy, and imagination expended on win/lose activities entails a high (sometimes fatal) opportunity cost. Managers are more likely to stay focused on the higher return, win/win levers if they aim not to beat the competition, per se, but to create more value than the competition—in other words, if they seek to achieve a value-adding advantage. And by doing so, they are likely to be more successful than their competitors in the long run.

The Extents Of Romeo And Juliets Love English Literature Essay

The Extents Of Romeo And Juliets Love English Literature Essay Although the prologue distinctly explains that Romeo and Juliet are A pair of star-crossd lovers, in opposition, both Romeo and Juliet maybe mediocre, average teenagers as we know today who are creating revolution against their parents wishes, on the other hand many traits and incidents question the validity of the fact that they maybe In love, although love is a big word metaphorically Juliet still continues to love Romeo despite her inevitable death, Perhaps the most overt aspect about Romeo and Juliet is how Romeo uses oxymorons to contradict his love for Rosaline, on the other hand Rosaline was Romeos perfect partner however she denied his love, whilst Romeo is with Juliet maybe he still sees Rosaline thus making the love between Romeo and Juliet debateable. Juliet maybe thirteen however, she may not even know what love is. Themes Love isnt the predominant theme within the play Romeo and Juliet, the themes that are going to be explored are: love, death, rivalry, light, darkness, destiny, chance, time, hatred and society. When Romeo enters the ball in Vienna he immediately perceives Juliet as the light of the ball: This symbolises that Romeo fallen in love, O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! This quote tells us that Juliet emulates gracefulness and beauty light is only darkness without Juliets presence, It is the east and Juliet is the sun! Juliet is being compared with the sun in this particular quote, It can be said that Shakespeare uses light as a personification of how Romeo truly feels about Juliet at the ball due to the fact all of what Romeo expresses about his love for Juliet distinctly relates to light. Perhaps the most philosophical aspect about Romeo and Juliet is that love is very essence of the play altogether, however within the play the diversity of attitudes between characters seem to alter as the play progresses, Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn. Romeo perceives love as an Achilles heel at the beginning of the play, however as the play progresses Romeo perceives love not as an Achilles heel but as an essence of brilliance, Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I Neer saw true beauty till this night, although this quote distinctly explains what Romeo perceives Juliet as, this particular quote shoes that Romeo epitomizes love. The theme of society in general makes the reason why both Romeo and Juliet fallen in love straightforward, during the era Romeo and Juliet lived in their lack of morals and disregard of conformity simply wouldnt have been accepted if exposed, the simple fact that Juliet was practically forced to be in love to create revolution against the name of Capulet and a society held by the moral fibers of cynicism, within the play even religion is contradicted and ridiculed on regular basis even though diversity from Christianity to the rejection of religion is frequent Juliet perceives Romeo as a deity, the god of my idolatry, this quote puts emphasis on the fact that both Romeo and Juliet are in love in view of the fact blasphemy and lack of sympathy for Christianity is emphasized suggesting thatd they would reject conservative religious views purely for the purposes of love. Deny thy father and refuse thy name This quote as emphasized by Juliet informs us that she is able to persuade Romeo to reject his father and what the name Montague epitomizes just for the purpose of love, from a different point of view the quote could emphasize lust since both beings go to somewhat philosophical lengths aspects such as rebellion, death, unconformity and rivalry just for love this can only question the integrity of Romeo and Juliets love. The social and historical context Romeo and Juliet was originally written by William Shakespeare over four hundred years ago, during that time period society was a lot more conservative, The social and historical context of the play is beneficial for the audience in view of the fact the audiences understanding and perception of the play will help them analyze from many alternative points of view. The renascence era was a somewhat poignant era for Italy as traditionalism was the very foundation of Britain at the time. The renascence era perceived women with apathy women were at their fathers possession the stereotypical renascence family disapproved of liberalism and equality. The hierarchy of the traditional family was perceived as one of the most significant aspects of life; since men were dominant within the family they controlled all aspects of family life, at the time women were only used for the purposes of labour. Love within a marriage was futile at the time as marriage was built on the hierarchy of a particular family rather than a relationship with a groom or a bride. What makes social and historical so significant is the fact that Juliet decides to rebel ag ainst her families conservative ways, this gives the audience a philosophical sense of life within that era. What is so ironic about the liberalism that Juliet inherits from her disapproval of society is the fact that she actually conforms to the churches ways Romeos love for Rosaline To begin with Romeos believes that he is in love with Rosaline. Philosophically the uses of oxymorons to describe his love for Rosaline symbolises the fact that alternatively he wasnt truly in love with her he may have been infatuated with her. Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health. The oxymorons within the play are used to emphasize what Romeo naivety makes him believes is love for Rosaline, Oh brawling love! Oh loving hate. The oxymorons intention is to be somewhat contradictory; the philosophical significance of this oxymoron represents Romeos love for Rosaline however despite Rosalines constant rejection towards Romeo, Romeo still has feelings for her. From a different perspective Rosaline is a somewhat significant character within the development of the play; the reason being is that without Romeos dedication towards Rosaline he wouldnt have attended the Capulet ball. The initial impression of Romeo within the play is that he can be deemed as the paragon of child ishness, this idea is emphasized by the fact Rosaline wont except his loving gestures, From Loves weak childish bow she lives uncharmed. Romeo tells Benvolio that he feels melancholy due to Rosaline remaining chaste the reason why she is remaining chaste is the fact that she is going to become a nun due to her religious values she realizes as shes becoming a nun relationships are prohibited. Juliet As a character Juliet can be deemed as a paragon of diversity, what is somewhat significant about Juliets development as the play progresses is that she feels that love epitomizes futility to an extent were it can only be perceived as nothingness, this is emphasized due to the traditionalist views of marriage that ostensibly correlate with the daughter within a family, the pilgrims dialogue can essentially perceived as theoretical this is due to the fact that the pilgrims dialogue lets Juliet explore to a whole new world in an emotional sense. If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. The irony within the quote itself is somewhat distinctive this is emphasized by the fact that Juliets perception of love used to be that she thought of the hypothesis that it was merely unrequited love. However her perceptions alter dramatically as Romeo communicates a sixty seven word sonnet that highlights Romeos true feelings towards her soon afterwards Romeo and Juliet passionately kiss twice. Within the first balcony scene Shakespeare displays to the readers that Romeos perception of Juliet is that she is the archetype of beauty; Romeo believes that Juliets beauty is the embodiment of sunlight, it can be said that the balcony scene in its entirety is momentous this is emphasized by the fact that Romeo suggests that the moon is, sick and pale with grief this effective use of personification suggests, that Romeo truly loves Juliet as he is contrasting her beauty to the moon and making the distinction that she is a lot more beautiful than the moon by itself. Juliets diversity from traditionalist views at the time and societies views on sexual advancements, leaves her on a the edge of a progressive adolescence and a womanhood. Juliets adolescent state at that time is highlighted by the nurses views of Juliet, the nurses views are juxtaposed by Juliets mothers views of Juliets womanhood, as an idealistic, controversial conversation about Juliets arranged marriage to Paris happens, Thou wilt fall backward when thou hast more wit. This quote by the nurse highlights the fact that Juliet adolescent thus concluding that the nurses true perception of Juliet is that shes quintessentially somebody who is feebleminded. However Lady Capulet is perceived as a tyrannical and sophisticated entity in Juliets life expecting the best of Juliet without taking into consideration the complexity of Juliets emotion and the seriousness of the situation thus expecting her to willingly except the arranged marriage to Paris however Juliet perceives the marriage in its entirety as the paragon of futility, it is an honor that I dreamt not of. Lady Capulet sees the arranged marriage were love is just a figment what this marriage provides whilst her true feelings are set on the progression of social hierarchy and a dramatic increase in wealth for the Capulet family, So shall you share all that he doth possess. This quote explains that if Juliet were to marry Paris shed be sharing all his possession and itd make the Capulet family a lot wealthier concluding that Juliets mother has apathetic views on the subject of love as a whole. Within a traditional family at the time the outcome of an arranged marriage can be perceived as inevitable, paradoxically the rejection of an arranged marriage by an individual wasnt as uncommon many people believe during that era. Juliets apathetic views on the subject of marriage at the time couldve been considered by the perfunctory, conformist society at the time could possibly be considered as somewhat liberalist highlighting on the idea that arranged marriages at that time were an essence within the life and development of a young adult during that era, Ill look to like, if looking liking move, but no more deep will I endart my eye. Whilst deciphering the quote liberalism is soon emphasized as it goes contradicts the conformist views within society at the time; Juliet perceives love as an essence within a marriage between two partners if they love each other however the conformist views of society see marriage as a chance for increased wealth and social status. Evidently Juliet is diverse in personality for instance Juliet quotes; I have no joy in this contract tonight, it is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden. This signals that Juliet has no intention of marrying Romeo; on the other hand Juliet also quotes; If that thy bent of love be honorable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ This quote is to some extent paradoxical this is due to Juliet explaining earlier she hadnt thought of marrying Romeo whatsoever however her new perception suggests that they should marry the next day thus completing altering her views on marriage. Alternatively this is rather major step in Juliets development for the reason that Juliet is able to change her perception and diversify from her own views solely for love, this puts emphasis on how solemn her perception of the bond between them truly is. Although Juliets soliloquy dedicates an aura of positivity for Romeo emphasizing the fact the relationship generally epitomizes optimism and euphoria however ; Juliets soliloquy within act 3 scene 2 contradicts the integrity of their love altogether, Gallop apace you fiery footed steeds' This quote puts emphasis on the fact she wanted time to travel faster for her waiting impatiently as though she was emulating an infatuated teenager thus putting emphasis on the fact that there love could only be an obsession between both individuals. Comparison between Rosaline and Juliet In comparing Juliet and Rosaline we can see that they are total opposites, Rosaline alters Romeos perception of love deeming it as ineffectual, Out of her favor where I am in love. As Rosaline doesnt consider the option of love towards Romeo it leaves Romeo confused, infatuated and cynical love stereotypically is meant to make you feel joyful and brilliant however when Romeo feels love emitted towards Rosaline it makes him feel depressive. Juliet is perceived as the opposite of Rosaline in comparison with each other what is so significant about Juliet is that she changes Romeos pessimism which progressed due to Rosaline turning it to optimism; with loves light wings this quote is idiosyncratic in relation to Romeos feeling towards Juliet the reason being is that Romeos optimism makes him feel as though the love dedicated to Juliet is distinctly natural in comparison with Rosalines imperfect love. Friar Lawrence views on Romeos unrequited love towards Rosaline as a progression of lust merely an infatuation, For doting, not for loving, This quote puts emphasis on the fact that the unrequited love shared by both Rosaline just generally left Romeo in a depressive, scornful mood and that love was truly out of the question it was only an obsession. Friar Lawrence later quotes, Not in a grave to lay one in, another out to have. This quote is momentous when reflecting upon the relationship shared between Romeo and Rosaline, the quote emphasizes the fact that Romeo should diversify and have a relationship with someone worthy. Juliet can be deemed as that someone who is worthy especially as she is able to alternate Romeos perception of love, Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! This quote as emphasized by Romeo demonstrates that when Romeo loves Juliet he feels happiness; on the other hand Romeo also considers contemplating death for Juliet thus contradicting the true nature of their love. Linguistic and literary devices used to describe love at first sight The richness of the language used by Romeo and Juliet to describe their feelings convey the message that both beings share a moving bond of love, O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! The quote expressed by Romeo describes Juliet as a personification of light; this informs the audience that Juliet seems to be the light in Romeos life, this describes Juliet as an individual of positivity within Romeos life the fact he is able to express himself so profoundly about her emphasizes the fact he is taking the relationship seriously. The pilgrims dialogue has an extreme philosophical significance, this is due to the blasphemous context surrounding it and how its able to convey the message that conservative, moral views at the time can be rejected purely for love, For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers kiss. Shakespeares use of religion as a metaphor conveys the message that conservative values mean nothing when it comes to love, the impo rtance of blasphemy plays a key figure in are perception of love; this is due the message being conveyed that Romeo sees Juliet as a deity of sorts emphasizing the fact that this could only be an infatuation not even love at all, the perception of quotes of such blasphemy wouldve been viewed as immoral as religion at the time was a somewhat important essence of life of a traditional person within the era the true morality of Shakespeare of the time wouldve been questioned Shakespeares morality. The distinct message being conveyed is that both Romeo and Juliet are able to express love profusely for each other and that between both Romeo and Juliet love dominates over the traditional, conservative values of religion. The Idyllic use of the English language and metaphors within the play are somewhat idiosyncratic to both Romeo and Juliet there quick wittedness suggests that there exchanging in a game of world play, If I profane with my unworthiest hand  this holy shrine, the gentle s in is this:   My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand.  To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. Juliet replies with, Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch,   Ã‚  And palm to palm is holy palmers kiss. The hypothesis that both Romeo and Juliet are exchanging in a game of word play is idiosyncratic, this is due to the quick wittedness of both individuals who express metaphors quickly, and consequently this emphasizes the fact that both beings intelligence overall and the fact that they truly love each other. Dramatic Techniques used in the balcony scene The first balcony scene creates a powerful sense of romance, this is predominantly due to Romeos soliloquy at the very beginning of the scene as Romeo enters the Capulet orchard, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven, Would through the airy region stream so bright that birds would sing and think it were not night. The use of light as a motif emphasizes the fact that love is evident between them and that Romeo has diverted from Rosaline. The audience is given an insight in to the minds of both Romeo and Juliet the soliloquy implemented by Romeo conveys a true sense of emotion as the scene progresses, It is the east, and Juliet is the sun aside from contrasting day and night and the light motif, the quote is used to emphasize Juliets beauty by comparing her to the sun, as the sun is a lot brighter and superior then any individual it is idiosyncratic that the message conveyed by Shakespeare is that Juliets superiority is emphasized; another example were Juliets dominance of Romeo is the fact that the stage direction explains that Juliet appears aloft The word aloft simply means up in the air, this emphasizes that Juliet is of higher hierarchy then Romeo. The use of dramatic irony is conveyed by Shakespeare as the use of light as a motif is used to describe Juliet when the setting of the orchard is purely darkness, The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars. The use of contrasting day and night is philosophical as it describes how Romeo feels about Juliet the language evokes a sense of love, its as though Juliet is the only thing worth living for, its as though Juliet is an essence Romeo cant be deprived of. Discuss the emotions that R and J experience during the balcony scene In terms of the emotions that Romeo and Juliet experience during this scene there are a number of ambiguities, the balcony scene is a truly puts emphasis on the fact that Juliet is open to her feelings, Romeo says: I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far as that vast shore washd with the farthest sea, I would adventure for such merchandise. Juliet responds later with: Dost thou love me? I know thou wilt say Ay; and I will take thy word. It can be said that Juliet is open about her feelings towards Romeo, the predominant reason that Juliet seems to express her feelings towards Romeo is simply because of the conservative views Juliets parents have. What is ironic about Juliet expressing her feelings to Romeo is that there both enemy families, traditionally the expression of feelings of personal things towards a nemesis is rare. Although it can be said that Juliet trusts Romeo with her life, from an alternative perspective it could simply be naivety this is emphasized by her age, from a st ereotypical point of view the understanding of love from a teenager girl is imperfect the true integrity of love shared between them can be questioned thoroughly. Romeo can be deemed as a somewhat persistent character, he steals his way into the Capulet orchard with the intent to see Juliet, He jests at scars that never felt a wound. It is distinctive that Romeo is a diverse character this is emphasized by the fact that he is able to take the risk of actually trespassing the Capulet orchard however Romeo trespasses as he expects Juliet to condone his risk taking and reward him with something emphasizing the fact that lust is the only feeling that they both feel, O wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied. This quote is contradictory in view of the fact that it questions Romeos true intention to visit Juliet; this puts emphasis on Romeos role as a character the stereotypical view of Romeo during the balcony scene is that he Is dedicating love for her however from another perspective Romeo c ould simply be leeching of Juliets beauty for lust and not love. Although during the balcony scene many attributes question the integrity of their love, love is a quality Romeo is going to stick by, O, speak again, bright angel! For thou art. As glorious to this night, being oer my head, as is a winged messenger of heaven. What is significant about this quote is that Romeo contrasts Juliet to a bright angel. This emphasizes that Romeo although he is young he is able to love even though his character in its entirety is diverse. It can be said that Juliet is convinced that his plea is of legitimacy this is emphasized by the powerful language that Romeo uses. Lines 155-157 within scene two acts two within the play are theoretical when discussing whether Romeo and Juliet are in love with each other this is due to the context surrounding the quote, Juliet says: Tomorrow will I send. Romeo replies with So thrive my soul. It can be said that this metaphor isnt effective for the reason that both beings barely even know each other yet Romeo is able to devote himself in such a way to Juliet whilst he was infatuated by Rosaline just a few days ago although Juliet and Rosaline both Juxtapose each other Romeo could possibly see Rosaline whilst looking at Juliet. Although both Romeo and Juliet throughout the play seem to think that there in love the emotion is greeted with fear, I have no joy of this contract tonight: It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden; This quote highlights Juliets feelings, it emphasizes the fact that she thinks that the progression of their love is going too fast for her liking however what is also emphasized is the fact t hat she is still in possession of her time-honored perception of marriage. What is also emphasized is Juliets maturity as a character although shes young she is able to interpret that the situation is too fast for her liking. Romeo and Juliet defy the conventions of the time and their families Society at the time would look at both Romeo and Juliet with contempt this is due to the fact that they both dont uphold the conventions that wouldve been expected by their family and society at the time as they believed that there love was a lot more powerful then those conventions, Deny thy father and refuse thy name, Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And Ill no longer be a Capulet. This quote puts emphasis on the fact there perception of family honor is futile in comparison with their perception love, however it can be said that the quote is contradictory the reason being is that it highlights how serious they are about the love shared between them, however it also highlights that it could merely be rebellion as theyre willing to reject family conventions. What is significant about Romeo killing Tybalt is the fact that it shows that Romeo epitomized weakness by actually letting the homicide ensue, the essence of the killing itself was due to one of Romeos most valuable friends Mercutio perishing, My very friend, hath got this mortal hurt In my behalf; my reputation stained. The quote itself emphasizes the hypothesis that Romeo killed Tybalt for the sole purpose of avenging Mercutios death as Romeo couldnt live with his apparent guilt as he thought that Romeo himself in an emotional sense killed Mercutio. Society within the city of patriarchal was rather traditi onalist in the way they approached different subjects and made distinctions essentially on tyranny alone. Society was extremely perfunctory in that time to the extent that fathers epitomized tyrants, a prime example of this is Juliets father though he did love her and wanted what was truly best for her he can be seen as apathetic as he doesnt consider Juliets feelings for Romeo after Juliet explains that to him that shed rather not marry Paris, Proud can I never be of what I hate; But thankful even for hate, that is meant to love. After Juliet explains her feelings it is distinctive that Juliet has infuriated her father this is emphasized by the line Proud can I never be of what I hate; as she clarifies that if she were to be married she wouldnt be proud of herself Juliets father responds with, Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient Wretch! My fingers itch. Wife, we scarce thought us blest. That God lent us but this only child; but now I see this one is one too much, and that we curs e in have her: Out on her, hilding! The quote by itself describes Juliet in a pejorative sense in the sense that hed rather see her hanged then to see her in not in matrimony and views Juliets feelings apathetically. Alternatively the quote itself emphasize the true extent of tyranny the father possesses as It highlights his true feelings for Juliet as hes been insulted by Juliet herself. Romeo and Juliets responses to their predicament The second balcony scene in its entirety differentiates significantly in contrast with the first balcony scene this is due to the fact both balcony scenes Juxtapose each other as the first balcony scene epitomizes optimism however the second balcony scene epitomizes pessimism, though art so low, as one dead in the bottom of a tomb. Either my eyesight fails, or thou lookst pale. Though the quote emphasizes Juliets cynicism alternatively it foreshadows the ending of the play itself whilst deciphering the quote the line as one dead in the bottom of a tomb. Is displayed as a prime example of foreshadowing and pessimism as it suggests that death is inevitable also the tomb itself is the Capulet family tomb this type of language is essentially significant and emotive as it suggests that one of the two star crossed lovers perishing is predestined and it also foreshadows the inevitable ending. It can be said that Friar Lawrence essentially acts a guardian for both Romeo and Juliet this is em phasized by the fact both characters are able to unravel there true feelings to him, Thou cutst my head off with a golden axe and smilest upon the stroke that murders me. This quote is effective in view of the fact it puts emphasis on the fact that Romeo is able to express his true feelings, alternatively it emphasizes how cynical Romeo can actually be as he wants Friar Lawrence to inflict the deadly act of homicide onto him Friar Lawrence responds with, O deadly sin! O rude unthankfulness! Thy fault our law calls death; but the kind Prince, Taking thy part, hath rushd aside the law, and turnd that black word death to banishment. This is dear mercy, and thou seest it not. Evidently Friar Lawrence is bemused that Romeo contemplated the idea altogether let alone ask the Friar to commit homicide. The Friar himself is trying to show mercy to the predicament itself however Romeo is too pessimistic to care about the Friar reaching out to him. Both of Juliets speeches differ In view of the fact they both contradict each other one speech talks about how Juliet wishes to die and the other talks about the morbidity of death itself, The horrible conceit of death and night, together with the terror of the place as in a vault, an ancient receptacle. The quote itself emphasizes Juliets hostile reaction towards death as she doesnt want to be lying perished in a vault for one thousand years next to other perished individuals from her family who died in many different ways. As mentioned before both speeches differ profoundly, this speech talks about how Juliet is willing to give perishing a chance, Give me some present counsel; or, behold, Twixt my extremes and me this bloody knife. Essentially Juliet is wants to commit suicide though whilst contrast both speeches there is a colossal distinction which leaves Juliet naturally undecided in whether not to go through with her suicidal actions. The dramatic portrayal of the suicide scene Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to convey a significant message, whilst Juliet is in the tomb contemplating her inevitable perishing she expresses one of the most profound quotes within the play which emphasizes her apathy, Death hath no power yet upon thy beauty. The use of dramatic irony shows to an extent how far Juliet is willing to go just for Romeo emphasizing infatuation, alternatively the readers of play themselves know that death has power upon beauty thus making Shakespeares use of dramatic irony effective as it emphasizes Juliets stupidity. Whilst Juliet is in the Capulet tomb she finds that Romeo didnt leave a drop of poison so Juliet wanted to die with him by her side, O churl, drunk all and left no friendly drop. The quote itself emphasizes the fact that Juliet actually wanted to die herself though Romeo didnt leave poison for her to actually commit the act of suicide the fact that she even contemplated suicide emphasizes her pessimism however in contrast with earlier scenes Juliet epitomized optimism and used quotes like, For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers kiss. The quote emphasizes the love of both beings on religious terms and how Juliet used to be a very loving, optimistic individual when it came to Romeo in contrast with her current predicament which leaves her in an apathetic and pessimistic state. The importance of the prologues to Act I and Act II Both Prologues themselves are written in the form of a sonnet thus a sonnet back in Shakespeares time was the archetype of love, essentially prologues are used to emphasize what has happened within both scenes it also shows what Shakespeare specifically highlighted as certain parts are significant to the development and to help the readers decipher the play itself in a productive way. The first prologue distinctly informs us what actually happens in the play itself essentially its an overview of the play itself and it gives the reader relevant information about the play itself, It uses quotes such as; The fearful passage of their death-markd love. This quote displays the inevitable ending in the play itself which leaves the star-crossd lovers in a state of perishing the passage in this context is the journey leading up to the extreme point of death within the play death markd love in this context means suicidal love in a hypothetical sense it could alternatively mean infatuation sin ce dying for someone you know might not be considered as love however it could mean infatuation. The second prologue itself is the embodiment of foreshadowing as it predicts certain parts of the play in the form of a sonnet, Alike bewitched by the charm of looks; The quote itself means that the use of the physical appearance of both characters is a essentially a curse since there is so much conflict between other characters that correlate with the love between Romeo and Juliet that either results in wrath, sorrow or death. Conclusion In conclusion the perception of true love alters significantly though hypothetically it can be considered as infatuation since throughout the play conflict is commonly recognized in the play as it always ends up correlating with Romeo and Juliets love. Both beings themselves seem to be complex, extremely diverse individuals however cryptically there merely the embodiment of average teenagers as all teenagers fall in love with someone of either the same gender or a different gender. Liberalism and rebellion show that Romeo is able to risk his life just to see Juliet which can be considered as infatuation as risking death for an individual doesnt seem like traditional behavior for bot