Monday, September 30, 2019

French Decolonization: Conflict in Algeria Essay

In entire French history, France almost enjoyed great influence on what is happening in Europe and in the world. It was due to big colonial territory France could dispose with. There was period when the competing for influence with the Great Britain was very successful. It supported not only its political power, but colonialism had a considerable impact on the economic situation of the country. Algeria had a very important position in this system, which could be caused by a large number of Frenchmen who lived in the area. To understand why there have been so much violence during decolonization, that grew up in war; we must also look to the position of Algeria in colonial domination of France, because here you can find many causes of Algerian conflict. [1] The emergence of the French colonies As the beginning of French colonial endeavors can be count the development of voyages of discovery. The first goal of French colonizators was North America and then Asia. At that time,Africa was hardly reachable, as it was the territory of the Ottoman Empire. The chance to control the region occurred in the 18th and 19 century, when the Ottoman Empire became a â€Å"sick man on the Bosphorus. â€Å"[2] After the French Revolution and the advent of Napoleon Bonaparte to the position of consul, attention of foreign policy has been focused on the possible colonial expansion to the north Africa. The Egypt became the main objective of French colonizators. French Foreign Minister Talleyrand asked for its incorporation under French influence. â€Å"It was obvious that the point was to re-open the way to India and to the allies Tipu Sultan, who in 1784 became Maisuriem ruler. However, France failed to get Egypt under its domination. Large ally of France, which was the United Kingdom, became the one who controled more or less control Egypt. United kingdom had not absolute control over it because the country still maintained largely independent government [3] France issued in Africa to the west. Trying to control west territory of the Egypt. The reason for this was mainly the fact that, in this area, they discovered massive deposits of gold and diamonds. That is why in this area France had competed with other European countries. Again, they competed with the British, in addition, they were still pushing the Portuguese, Germans and partly Spanish. The emergence of the French colonies in the territory of Algeria Practically the biggest breakthrough in the creation of French colonial rule in Algeria became a convert under the administration of France. This area was for few hundred years the territory of the Ottoman Empire, but at the turn of the 18th and 19th century began to show its decline and slowly became this â€Å"sick man on the Bosphorus. [4] Already in the late 18th century France realized that this weakness of the Ottoman Empire could be obtained under its administration of Algeria, which had strategic potential, mainly due to its mineral resources. Desire for Algeria was also presented as a solution to domestic problems which France at the turn of the century faced. These efforts continued and culminating and did escalate in 1827, when the French finally got an excuse for action. On 29th of April the Dey of Algiers, Husayn, stuck the French consul Pierre Deval in the face with afly-swatter. This insult of the representative of France in the regency started a crisis in relations betweeen these two countries as a result of which the French stumbled upon one of its most important colonial ventures. The actual colonization began about three years later, in 1830. The French army invaded, whereupon ensued a brief but intense war for territory of Algeria. On 14th of June 34,000 troops from the fleet numbering 600 ships landed Algerian Coast. Dey sent 7,000 Janissaries, that were gradually joined by up to 35 000 soldiers sent to other deyove of North Africa. Due to its better and advanced equipments French troops very quickly conquered the Capital on 19th of June. In the following days, Algerian Dey fled to Naples thereby Ottoman control over the area collapsed and Algeria came under the domination of France. In 1847 it was designated as a military colony, and its head became Governor-General, who had executive and military power virtually in his hands. Algeria’s population almost never adopt their allegiance to the French Government and the entire existence of the colonial establishment and considered French to be occupiers and relationship with them was very complicated and not very friendly. [5] The system of colonial rule in Algeria In order to objectively examine the reasons and causes of so bloody conflict that accompanied the process of obtaining Algeria’s independence from France, I have to first, at least briefly mention how system enabling France to rule Algeria looked like. As mentioned previously, this area was set up so-called military colony. This concept holds some elements that would distinguised from normal colonial establishment. Of course, it is almost impossible to summarize the colonial system by simple definition, in which the form of government would be generally described, because each country had dominated colonial specifics, which was system necessary adapts. In the introduction I mentioned that Algeria had a very special position in the French colonial domination. This uniqueness had several reasons arranged that its influence on the functioning of continental France was greater than by the other colonies. It should also be noted that after Algeria succeeded to be at least partially stabilized, the military colony was reformed and at the end of the 19th Century the area came under civilian administration. Certain trait was also the fact that this area did not fall under the Ministry of Colonies, as other dependent territories, but directly under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Interior. This also points to the importance that French attached to Algeria. [6] The first reason was the very position of Algeria. Located very close to France and could therefore become important to French traders, who were going to make a bussiness there. This is mainly due to cheap labor in the form of the indigenous population. Therefore, it is quite inappropriate to refer to French colony as disadvantageous. Yes, unlike the British colonies meant no colony for France large revenue to the state coffers, but the private sector have greatly prospered. Taking into account the protectionism, which reigned in these â€Å"departments†, and the fact that it has been maintained Algeria in pre-industrial state, there was inserted into capital industry in France certainty of safe outlets. † Another reason for which Algeria had a high position among the other colonies was the fact that in its territory over time moved large numbers of white French population. Algeria has evolved into a full-fledged part of the French political system and its representatives were elected to parliament. But the right to vote was granted only to French. Those local people soon came to be called â€Å"pieds noirs†. [7] The original inhabitants of Algeria on their long-fought right to vote, because I felt in such a situation as quasi residents of France. The radical changes in the position of Algerians took place after the World War II in connection with the growing desire for independence, allowing them to have granted the right to vote (although not equal, because pieds noirs had a voice with more weight) and least educated part of the population had the opportunity to get a full French citizenship. 8] Termination of the French colony of Algeria In the previous chapter I described coexistence of Algerians and French to be very problematic. I have several problems, which caused considerable dispute and the time when there was almost no change in the status of Algerian political life, not only in France but also Algeria itself, is began to show that such a system is no longer sustainable, and it will be necessary to significantly change if Algeria should remain part of France. Right from the beginning of this chapter I would like to say that France good moment for these changes missed and it also turned out. But when the opportune moment to change ever occurred? You could say that whole 19th century could be a suitable moment. Thus, at least from the perspective of Algeria and its people. It was the ethnic group that did not have any significant national sentiment. [9] Practically the only element was the belief of belonging. This could be due to the changes that the whole problem in the 20th century prevented. Also in Algiers created French civilizing influence foundations of political life and later inspired the emergence of internally differentiated nationalist movement†. For example, Ferhat Abbas, which was a pharmacist from the city of Setif, created movement during the 30-ties of 20th century that grew up in popularity and proclaimed the Algerian nationalist tendencies. But it is also necessary to take account of French foreign policy. Former French regime was very unstable and had enough problems with it to keep. Should such changes occurred, unlikely that it scandalized the French, who had their business interests in Algeria, not to mention the pieds-noirs who would lose their advantageous position in the society of this area. In addition, there was the pressure that France felt for its falling position in Europe. Picked up a new superpower like Russia, Italy and Germany. In the event that France acceded to such changes, it could be in those countries seen as weakness, despite the fact that it might endanger their own colonial rule.   Probably the last opportunity for reforms that would at least partially improve the position of Algerians in France arose after the World War I. It pointed to the weakening of France, but France did not have to worry about other European countries, especially the losers, since they would only hardly prevailed on some form of resistance. France has, however, even at this time other worries. After the war, the economy was heavily damaged and need to start it again and France with Great Britain gained at the expense of some Germany’s colonies, so focused on their mastery. At this time, France obviously missed the last opportunity to improve the status of Algerians and thus chance to keep Algeria as French. The beginnings of Algerians fighting for independence After the victory of the movement for democratic values was forbidden to create few other organizations that were more or less radical. But all have a common goal, to get rid of French domination of Algeria and the creation of an independent state. One of them was the Democratic Union of Algerian Manifesto. Its main representative of Ferhat Abbas, the program relied not only Algerian Manifesto, but also just the movement for the victory of democratic values, because according to him, this movement could become a way to ensure understanding of the Algerian thing in Europe. [11] All movement, which was created in 1954, however, overshadowed by creating Queues national liberation (the only QNL). And just a year of its formation could be considered as the beginning of the war in Algeria. It was a very radical movement, in which many faces associated other organizations fighting for independence. Conclusion Algeria was a 132 years under the rule. It was one of the most important French colonies, considered even as part of France, and the status of retail dependency. Achieved independence in 1962 as one of the last African States. Algeria retail trade and diplomatic relations, not only with neighboring Mediterranean countries, but also with France, which was signed by 57 of the Algerian government contracts for the friendship and alliance, recognized and confirmed the independence of Algeria. At the end of the 18th century, when all of Europe fought against France, this was precisely Algeria that France supplied the grain and money. Reply by France on this â€Å"friendship† and the alliance was in the 1830 launch of a war in Algeria. The end of the colonial system meant the absolute change for France. The country fell into a totally new environment and especially to a new position in the world. It was already weakened by the defeat and devastation of France in World War II. A disintegration of the colonial dominion that stretched practically worldwide its global impact on the backdrop of the Cold War, virtually minimized, which also led to the crisis and the subsequent change of the entire political system of the country. The course of decolonization, as I have described above, ran a very bloody way and subsequent development of the political system and political culture in Algeria practically impossible the establishment of closer relations. Subsequent years of Algerian independence was marked inclination towards the Soviet Union. In this time mode through mistrust and hostility to France and tried to legitimize and maintain its integrity. At the same time, like many other Arab countries in the 20th century took independence gave way and Algeria socialist system. That does not work. Malfunction causes of that are many. This may be a very unstable situation in the country, away from France, who was willing to freedom after coming to this North African countries continue to work, or too little help from the Soviet Union, from which the former leaders of Algeria expecting support material and political. Finally, in 1958, created the Republic of Algeria by the end of 1961, 32 countries of the world recognized. Ultrakolonialist uprising in 1961 was relatively easily defeated, and France was left to negotiate with other Algerians. [12] In March 1962 they were signed between the French government and the so-called Interim Government of Algeria. Evian agreements, which meant the ceasefire, the gradual evacuation of French troops and the full independence of Algeria. About This should finally decide referendum, which took place on 3 July 1962. 13] The French, however, continued to murder and destruction and a ceasefire. In September 1962 announced the creation of the Constituent Assembly of Algeria and the Democratic People’s Republic. In 1963, Algeria was introduced land reform, nationalization took place all objects abandoned by owners, a new constitution was approved by Congress and the National Liberation Fronts in 1964 was called. Algeria Algeria rebuilding Charter proclaimed in the spirit of socialism.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Practicum Reflection Paper

Every fourth-year teacher trainees will have to conduct practicum and will work under the guideline of their associate teachers and supervisors. The purpose of doing the practicum are to put training into practice, to become accustomed to teaching in the tertiary school settings, and to develop and expand each trainee’s teaching expertise and confidence. In the following paragraph, I will express what I have learnt from doing practicum to reflect on my past teaching strengths and weaknesses from the teaching practicum.Firstly, I would like to talk about the lesson planning and delivering. As we have already learnt from Teaching Methodology 402, lesson plan works as guideline and help us a lot as teacher trainees. It reminds us what to do, which data and techniques to use to facilitate both teaching and learning. As for the process of planning and delivering the lesson plan, I would dear to say that it is not an easy thing to do. For my case, the first time I planned my lesson plan I spent about ten hours to complete it.I had to think of the objectives of the lesson I would teach, collect materials to use, and select techniques which is suitable with the materials I chose and would help students to have reason to study. It is not enough yet; I had also discussed with both my associate and supervisor lecturers and my peers for ideas and advice. Next, it is about the classroom management. Monitoring students and the class is needed during our teaching. We have to make sure that students are listening to our instruction, when we are giving it to them. We can ask one or two students to repeat or tell other students what they are supposed to do.It is recommended that we have to frequently spend our time walking around the class. In doing so, we can monitor the students effectively. Also, it is easy for students to ask question if there are any. Voice projection also plays very important in language teaching. It is fact that louder speech can make our teaching more interesting. But if we speak too soft, the students will get bored because sometimes they cannot hear us properly. One of teacher trainees I have observed got only mark just around the border line score. The reason is that her voice is too soft.Last but not least, pronunciation, it is very important for us as the language teacher especially when teaching vocabulary and we have to pronounce words correctly. I could see that almost all associate teachers and supervisors always focus on and tell every teacher trainee before and after he or she teaches. I myself have been given comments related to this problem from both my associate teacher and supervisor during my teaching. Actually, I am also aware of this issue and it is clear I could not get full mark for this from my lectures. However, I will to improve my pronunciation so I will be better my teaching in the future.In conclusion, I have gained more knowledge and experiences from doing practicum not just from associate and supe rvisor lecturers and my peers, but also from the students I have taught. Most people think that teaching the language is not very difficult. They just come to class and explain the students based on the course book. However, it is not the right thought to my understanding and observation so far. To achieve good result of teaching, we have to consider number of thing carefully such as lesson planning and delivering, classroom management, methodology, and other important aspects in teaching.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Critique about Authors and Their Way of Expressing Information Using Research Paper

Critique about Authors and Their Way of Expressing Information Using Surveys about Knowledgeable Consumer - Research Paper Example Some customers who have prior knowledge about a certain product or service seem to take less time when purchasing that product or service (Oliver, 2010). This prior knowledge was got from former purchases or reading about the said product or service. This research was based on consumers of strawberries. The authors had the following objectives when deciding to conduct the research; To identify who the direct strawberry customers were, To evaluate the major factors that guided consumers on making purchase decisions. To compare the intentions of consumers to the actual purchases made, To determine how effective advertising relates to the choices made by consumers, and To recommend any changes to the managers, so as to improve on their marketing programs. Methodology The survey was conducted by various companies among them; The North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The survey was conducted at eight different operations during the 1999 Spring. The companies conducting the research de cided to divide the research into two sections. One section of the survey was conducted when consumers arrived to purchase the strawberries. There are those customers who preferred to pick the strawberries themselves while others bought the already picked ones. This part of the survey was intended to highlight the purchase expectations of the customer, and their experiences when picking strawberries. The other segment of the survey was conducted when customers left the operation. The intention of this second segment of the survey was to find out the actual purchases made by the customers and what contributed to the customers purchasing what they purchased. This survey comprised of about 1647 respondents (Safley, Wohlgenant, & Suter, 1999). From the research conducted, it emerged that two third of the respondents had come to the strawberry operation before, while a third had not come to the place before. It also emerged that about two-thirds of those who opted to pick the strawberrie s before had prior knowledge concerning that.

Friday, September 27, 2019

American Government Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Government - Essay Example The legislature already has enough time to pass whatever bills it needs to. If they were in session longer, all theyd do is pass more laws. And those extra laws theyd pass would be the kind of laws that no one wants or needs (if they wanted or needed them, theyd pass them during the regular session). That and those legislators would start thinking that legislating was their regular job - yuk. How strong militarily and economically was the United States in the 1790s? Could the United States have been very active in world affairs? What was the major goal of U.S. foreign policy then? Was it to protect U.S. citizens and their property? As the United States grew geographically, militarily, and economically, could the government remain isolationist? Why did the United States turn to an interventionist foreign policy? Why did the United States return to isolationist foreign policy after World War I? Could the United States be isolated from the world politically and still remain an economic power? Undoubtedly, the US could remain as an isolationist as it continued to expand outward. Even looking back at history, the country’s attempt to remain an isolationist during both World War II was not susceptible. The US verily had to enter both World Wars since it became a leader in the Western frontier. The United States returned to isolationist foreign policy since domestic problems plagued the country. Furthermore, Europe was in chaos itself and the US could not afford to indulge itself in such petty issues. No, the US has embraced the role of being a leader of the globe and is the world’s super power. Is it easy for the president and Congress to set a course for foreign policy? What kinds of measures can the United States use to combat terrorism? How can it defend its citizens against chemical and biological weapons? Schmidt, Steffen W., Mack C. Shelley, and Barbara A. Bardes.  Handbook of selected court cases to

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Team Building 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Team Building 2 - Essay Example m must get into the process of making individual assignments so that everyone knows exactly what they are supposed to do and how it contributes to the team goals (Bennis, 2003). Using an effective decision making process: Making effective decisions that have the commitment of all the team members is another key competency. They must make a wide range of decision related to goals, programs, schedule, assignments and so forth. Establishing open Communication channels: this competency involves some risk if the norm is to keep quiet and say only what the boss wants to hear. So, it would be helpful if the leader initiates a team-oriented exercise which would allow them to open up, make decisions, test trust levels and observe the leader’s behavior (Bennis, 2003). Running effective meetings: the team must have a clear purpose and goal of each meeting, develop and agenda before the meetings, structure the items on the agenda to follow a logical sequence, summarize and record actions, decisions and assignments made at the meeting and make it clear that all team members have the responsibility to call for a meeting, if required. These steps are likely to make the team more productive (W.G. Dyer, W.G. Dyer Jr. & J.H. Dyer, 2007). Establishing Accountability for High performance: High-performance teams ensure high performance standards and team members hold each other accountable for performance. Once individual assignments are done, the team members periodically check the same and hold each other accountable for fulfilling them as the way that is required. Giving credit to all the team members increases the productivity of the team and makes it more effective. Teams which are effective know to give and receive constructive feedback without being defensive or combative. This helps in continuous improvement in the team. Managing conflicts effectively is a critical competency because every team has conflicts, but unresolved conflicts reduce the efficiency of the

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Strategies Used By Fitness First To Build and Sustain Competitive Essay

The Strategies Used By Fitness First To Build and Sustain Competitive Advantage - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that established in 1993, Fitness First has grown significantly through pricing strategies that outperform or are generically more attractive to consumers both price-sensitive and those looking for more value for their money. Whilst other competition position on quality, reputation or innovation, Fitness First has gained positive ground by appealing to the budgetary needs of its many target consumers. Fitness First maintains many weaknesses, most of which are related to marketing and promotional development, lack of a cohesive organizational culture, and an inability to remove supplier and buyer power in the market. Fitness First maintained losses in 2010 and 2011, indicating a problem with operational costs that continue to outpace revenue production. As such, in this highly competitive industry, marketing becomes a critical function for the company if it is to be sustainable into the future. Despite these weaknesses, strengths associated wi th proper celebrity endorsements and effective diversification of existing products and services to extend the life cycle of its offerings tend to offset some of the aforementioned weaknesses. It is recommended that Fitness First conduct ample market research to align service and product with changing consumer needs, work to build a more mission-focused organizational culture, and improve marketing prowess with more investment in promotion as a key competitive strategy (brand-building emphasis). Fitness First was launched in 1993 as a single, stand-alone gym in Bournemouth. Through a series of investments, acquisitions, and business model improvements, Fitness First has grown quickly to become one of the largest health club centers in the world. The privately-owned company now boasts over one million members in over 400 Fitness First clubs spread across the globe.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Report of Petipa & Fokine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Report of Petipa & Fokine - Essay Example It is a simple reenactment of the old fairy tale in the ballet. The plan was to delineate the dramatic sequence that was shown in the acts with his trademark custom pantomime with specifying not only the characters that come with the play but also the dances and their timing and rhythm. Due to this passive approach, it may be called somewhat of a symphony rather than a usual drama that is expected from such a story. In the scene 1, there are numerous example of his approach like the movement of Catalabutte rhyming with the orchestra, entrance of King, Queen, the three fairies and Carabosse, which is accompanied by relevant songs and variations and a variety of instruments being used. In scene 3, Prince Desire is hunting and shown the lovely ladies of the court who are also presented with the orchestra. The baronesses and duchesses try to s mesmerize the prince but to no avail. All the above instances point to the fact that he was a traditional artist well versed in the classics and a lways wanted to give in his all for the preservation of the ballet, its music and the graceful dance. Michel Fokine was a twentieth century choreographer with education from Petersburg school of imperial Russian ballet. He was an innovator and wanted to go against the conventions and norms of the ballet at that time. His opportunity to prove his worth came when he joined Diaghilev Ballet Russes for its seasons in Western Europe in 1909. He later went to USA and reenacted many of his former plays and other ballet productions in the country for Ballet de Monte Carlo and the American Ballet Theatre. He couldn’t grasp the necessity of tradition in ballet and his The New Ballet showed just that. Fokine wanted the whole body of the performer to show his character. Not just some music and traditional dance sequences, He believed that for each character different type of movement befitting his character should be made. This is considered a revolutionary

Monday, September 23, 2019

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 24

None - Essay Example In other instances, the error may be a result of omission or negligence. For a practice or occurrence to be considered a medical malpractice, the patient must prove certain elements, which include liability, direct causal link, and damages. For an occurrence to fulfill the requirement of liability, the patient must prove that there existed a professional relationship between the health professional and the patient. This is often easy to proof. However, the patient must also proof that the health care provider concerned offered substandard care or was negligent. Depending on the circumstances, substandard care is at times not considered a medical malpractice. The next element that the patient is required to prove is that there were injuries, which directly resulted from the negligence or substandard care (Mor & Einy, 2012). In Jose’s case, there was some of negligence since proper care was not provided in good time, which resulted in the injuries. It was clear that the permanent disability of his shoulder was due to the delayed surgery. In this particular case, the person who can be held responsible or liable is the emergency center physician since he understood the seriousness of the injuries. However, he failed to consider other measures since there was no anesthetist on call. He would have advised Jose’s parents on the seriousness of the problem and maybe they could have sought treatment elsewhere. The physician had foreseen the possible complications that could arise from the injuries but insisted that Jose’s waits until morning when the anesthetist would be available. Moreover, the physician did not inform Jose’s parents of the risks involved if the surgery was delayed. The parents could have opted for other options. Although the anesthetist who was not available, he wa s not on duty at the particular moment and was thus not

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Brazils Communication Essay Example for Free

Brazils Communication Essay Every country has unique, distinctive ways in which they interrelate and communicate with each other within their country. A country’s means of communication can be verbalized through verbal, non-verbal, and interpersonal communication channels. In the country of Brazil most people are not Hispanic but Latino, although many immigrant communities are from Europe, Africa, and Japan. The official language spoken in Brazil is Portuguese; however, Spanish, English, and French are other languages that are also spoken in Brazil. When greeting they expect a firm handshake with strong eye contact. When doing business in Brazil dont be taken aback if they stand very close to you when speaking. Moving away may be interpreted as rejection. Brazil also uses many forms of non verbal communication. Much of this body language is comprised of culturally derived behaviors. When speaking to one another, it is not normal to take turns speaking. People will interrupt a conversation and will often speak at the same time as their peers. Another verbal communication pattern that Brazil practices is using first names when addressing a person. Also, one’s tone of voice is often high pitched when conversing with one another. Although daily conversation is conducted in a louder voice, it is not meant to express anger or hostility to anybody. In addition, verbal communication in Brazil is viewed as being theatrical and overly animated by other countries who are more reserved. In Brazil, physical appearance and surroundings are important and provide visual cues as to one’s status and tone of conversations. In many Latin countries, communication tends to be predominately oral rather than through written word. However, from the business aspect, when sending something in written format it is usually a good idea to follow up with a phone call or a visit in person. Over the last two decades, the telecom industry world over has grown and evolved at an incredible pace and has significantly changed the way people interact. Brazil Telecom offers long distance telecommunications services hrough some 8,034 million lines and 281,800 public telephones to customers in Brazil. Oi Telecom, formerly known as Telemar is the largest telecommunications company in Brazil, it was established in 2008 and has become the biggest company in Brazil on the Telecommunications sector. This company is present in 4600 cities in Brazil and it has influenced the price drop in the national level of the same services offered by competitors due to strength of its operations in the country.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Exploring How Selections from The Best American Essays Essay Example for Free

Exploring How Selections from The Best American Essays Essay The selection of essays contained in The Best American Essays which highlight painful truths and confront undesirable social realities do not only paint a clear picture of the imperfect world we live in, but also serve as catalysts for change that we may be sorely in need of. The relevant knowledge conveyed by the essayists provide more than catharsis or a cleansing or anxiety-relieving purging effect. They have huge potential to elicit concrete ethical responses, notably new attitudes and mindsets that will eventually shape future action. The latter depends greatly, though, on how closely the readers identify with the painful truths or social realities contained in the literary pieces. Nonetheless, the superbly written essays merit close scrutiny or perusal, which should be enough, ideally, to jolt people to action. Exploring How Selections from The Best American Essays Can be Catalysts for Change Where does learning end and action begin? Can knowledge spur action? Mulling over the hard facts, undesirable societal realities or painful truths expressed in beautiful fluid prose by literary talents in insightful essays contained in The Best American Essays edited by David Foster Wallace, one question comes to mind: are the masterfully written pieces capable of spurring people to action? Offhand, the answer points to a resounding yes. Literary masterpieces, particularly the essays under study, have an immense potential to serve as catalysts for change. Any standstill or hindrance, however, for works of literature to elevate humankind in terms of heightened awareness and positive behavioral changes, may depend a great on the values and predispositions that the current crop of readers may have. It is a known fact that we, as humans, cannot escape pain as we go about our day-to-day lives. Just about everyone can identify with pain, but the natural tendency of the average person is to crawl into his comfort zone and not to ponder on negative or painful realities, much less do something about what they may have read. The painful truths, usually in the form of trying individual circumstances or clear societal harms, expressed by the most gifted writer in the most riveting prose may not always warrant the desired ethical response. The sad reality is, complacent people who glean useful insights from reading about painful truths expressed in clear and incisive essays may not budge, even if the ideas may stick around in the recesses of their minds for some time. Each person will also be relying on his own perception of truth, and this perception will most likely guide his future action. On the other hand, there are also those individuals who are inclined to strive to make life generally better, both for themselves and society-at-large. This latter breed of people brings to mind ancient Confucian teaching on doing the right thing at the right time. By following the dictum of choosing to do what is right and moral over ones self-centered interests, people who adopt a new way of thinking or do something about a vexing social truth expressed, for instance, in an essay like â€Å"What Should a Billionaire Give – and What Should You? By Peter Singer (Wallace, 2007, p. 266), make the writer’s efforts worthwhile. The sense of enlightenment, followed by change in one’s mode of thinking created by a well-written essay makes every ounce of investigative effort poured into it well worth it. There are also certain essays in the collection that highlight idiosyncrasies, or peculiar habits and traits, such as the piece about people with stage fright, or another dealing with the apex of sex childhood, or even the youth-oriented essay about a cellular phone ring tone that drifts into a discourse about adults’ tendencies as they age. They not only amuse and inform but also lead readers to adopt new ways of thinking and behaving. There are other clear-cut examples of works included in the collection that forcefully makes the case for a controversial issue that may spur action, notably â€Å"Loaded† by Garret Keizer, who explosively says, â€Å"I hope that I shall never have to confront anyone with my gun, but owning a gun has forced me to confront myself† (Wallace, 2007, p. 137) and â€Å"Rules of Engagement† by Elaine Scarry, who opined that â€Å"every act that carries us into neo-absolutist territory burs our vision†¦ and puts us at ever-accelerating risk of carrying out moral harms (such as the use of nuclear weapons) from which we may not soon recover† (Scarry, 2006, para. 12). There are likewise lighter topics explored in essays in the collection, such as â€Å"What the Dog Saw† by Malcolm Gladwell that focuses on how an egocentric person may not be emulated, while prescribing better ways of dealing with those around us. The various other essays, whether they serve as an earnest appeal for action or as subtle vehicles for behavioral change, providing stern warnings of things to come, derive much of their strength on the fact that what is presented is a shared experience, most of them culled from real-life circumstances and developments, forming painful realities that people must contend with. They may reflect hard truths about society’s past intermingling with the present, or they may point to the future, but the single thread running through the selected essays in The Best American Essays that the writers may want to put across is that their readers can do something about the painful truths or hard-to-bear facts presented therein. In essence, the essays under study embody a form of literature that â€Å"represents much more than a pristine chronicle of a particular time and place†¦As a flexible medium, literature (like the essays) allows the author to manipulate modalities of past and future, real and unreal to alter patterns of perception†¦ Analysis of these models can shed light on the events which actually took place, and on the scope of possibility for alternative outcomes (Werbach, 1991, Introduction section, para. 1). Thus, when people learn painful truths about themselves or society-at-large, how they act depends, to a large extent, on where their beliefs and principles are anchored, not to mention the resources at their disposal, which still does not negate the fact that great works of literature can be catalysts for change. References Wallace, D. (Ed. ). (2007). The best American essays. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Werbach, K. D. (1991). Literary models for alternative social development in Russia. Retrieved May 7, 2008, from http://werbach. com/stuff/thesis. html Scarry, E. (2006). Rules of engagement. Boston Review. Retrieved May 7, 2008, from http://bostonreview. net/BR31. 6/scarry. php

Friday, September 20, 2019

Uses and Effects of Probiotics

Uses and Effects of Probiotics Tabassum Osman Baqtian   Ã‚   Probiotics:    The term probiotics is derived from a Greek word which means for life. (Judith et al., 2008). The WHO definition for probiotics is any live microorganism which wen administered in adequate amounts confers health benefit to the host (Weichselbaum, 2009). The most commonly used microorganisms for probiotics are bacteria (Judith et al., 2008). A number of studies undertaken at various levels showed that bacteria either in their killed state or their products can have anti- inflammatory or anti- infective properties (What is the evidence, 2017). The Lactobacilli are the most extensively studied class of probiotics. The lactic acid bacteria are used as probiotics in many fermentation products. They mainly play a role in enhancing immunity, maintaining the balance of the microbes in the intestine and in preventing the gastrointestinal tract from various infections (Time dependent, 2008). Probiotics can be administered orally as capsules, sachets or as tablets. The orally ingested probiotics survive the acidic conditions of the intestine and reach the human gut where they remain for a short period of time (Probiotics and health; 2009). The mechanism of probiotics is a multifactorial mechanism of action. The conventional method is a simple displacement process. The exogenously administered probiotics increase in number by multiplication. They function by the displacement of the pathogens or unwanted strains of species in the host body ( What is the evidence, 2017). A probiotic must survive the acidic conditions when orally administered to be able to function in the gut environment. Probiotics also need to possess the ability to survive and be viable in the products, during food production and storage. All probiotics which are mostly delivered in a food system, must overcome physical and chemical barriers in the gastrointestinal tract, especially acid and bile stresses, and have antagonistic activity against bacterial pathogens. ( 2014). The effects of probiotics are mostly strain specific and hence the function of probiotics cannot be generalised (Probiotics and health, 2009). A probiotic must fulfil certain safety characteristics to be beneficial to human health. Knowledge on survival of the probiotics within the GI-tract, their translocation and colonization properties, and the fate of probiotic-derived active components is important for the evaluation of possible positive and negative effects of probiotic consumption. The survival of different probiotic strains in different parts of the GI-tract varies: Some strains are rapidly killed in the stomach while others can pass through the whole gut in high numbers (Marteau et al., 1993). The current research in the field of probiotics is in the use of probiotic strains in the treatment of various diseases. The previous research in diseases like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating has shown the efficacy of probiotics in their treatment (What is the evidence, 2017). The major issue in the field of probiotics is quality assurance as the interpretation of data depends mainly on the variability in strain selection, dose, delivery vehicle, and evaluation of viability and efficacy (What is the evidence, 2017). A study showed that direct screening methods with inhibition of acid-sensitive bacteria growth could be an appropriate method for isolation of potential probiotic strains. Various biochemical, physiological, morphological and molecular tests showed that Lactobacillus sp. were dominant in the composition of probiotics as their isolates were resistant to acid and bile salts, they can be used as potentially probiotic bacteria by promoting host-specific health experiments. (2014). References: Judith A Narvhus, Jorgen Lassen, Merete Eggesbo Ragnhild Halvorsen, Siamak P Yazdankhah and Tore Midtvedt; Should long term prophylactic use of probiotics for infants and young children give cause for concern? (2008); Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease; 20: 171-176. Weichselbaum E; Probiotics and health: a review of the evidence (2009); British Nutrition Foundation Nutrition Bulletin; 34: 340-343. Maria Saarela, Gunnar Mogensen, Rangne Fonden, Jaana Ma ¨tto ¨ and Tiina Mattila-Sandholm; Probiotic bacteria: safety, functional and technological properties (2000); Journal of Biotechnology; 84: 197-215. Hsdgdhdsddssd

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Strike of 1934 :: United States History Essays

The Strike of 1934 On May 9th 1934 a organized labor strike started in San Francisco that would snowball into a city crippling strike. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) declared a strike for all longshoremen on the west coast, until they received better wages, a union-administered hiring hall, and union membership as a prerequisite for employed longshoremen. The Strike of 1934 lasted for three months, stopping maritime trade in the ports of the Western United States, from San Diego to Seattle. The clash was between the Industrial Association (IA), composed of big business and employers wanting to break the strike, and the ILA, along with other unions that dealt with maritime trades. The Strike of 1934 displayed the power the organized labor had, and how the mistreatment of labor can shut down an entire city and coast. The timing was just right for the maritime workers to strike. The grips of the Great Depression fueled laborers to maintain and improve their quality of life and security for their families. Congresses investigation into the 1934 San Francisco Strike concluded that â€Å"the aspirations of labor which led to the strike were directed from the change in public opinion expressed in the National Industrial Recovery Act. The potentialities of a protected right to bargain collectively were quickly perceived by waterfront workers.†[1] The shift in public opinion came from the need for the government to be more socially responsible to insure survival of the nation during the depression. The depression was as devastating as it was due to the lack of government involvement, a welfare state was needed. According to the Congressional investigation, â€Å"The first notice that forceful demands would be made by the longshoremen appeared in December [1933] when the local voted on the question of participating in a coast-wide strike. Lee J. Holman, then president of the local, stated the longshoremen would demand a 6-day, 30-hour week at a minimum rate of $1 per hour.†[2] Such demands were modest when considering the necessity of waterfront workers to a maritime based economy. This was at a time when the Bay and Golden Gate bridges were still under construction. Before the bridges, overland travel in the San Francisco Bay Area was longer, slower, and couldn’t carry as heavy loads as sailing across the bay.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Hybrid Cars Essay -- Gasoline Electric Hybrid Automobiles

Want to buy a hybrid car? Consider the facts. You may be correct in thinking that you should buy a hybrid car or SUV, but are you thinking you need it for the right reasons? Kevin Ransom’s article â€Å"Reasons to buy a hybrid – or not† updated on CNN’s website in January 28, discusses many aspects consumers should consider when thinking about buying a hybrid vehicle. He makes good points, but he needs some better ones to convince me. Ransom is making an argument with plenty of statistics for buying a hybrid and trying at the same time to give you somewhat of a counterargument against buying a hybrid. He never takes a clear bias, but leaves many questions out in the open. One example of this is his lack of comparing a Prius with anything. Also he claims that hybrids are â€Å"definitely one of the waves of the future. Does he mean they are a link to the future with ten times better innovations coming in the near future? This link needs to become cost effective if he thinks this is moving forward. He tells us that one school of thought is that it could take years for a consumer to break even on the amount saved in fuel costs. This is definitely true considering if the price difference between base models of a Toyota Civic and a Civic Hybrid being $18,710 and $22,600 respectively. That is a difference of $3,890 with the only major standard equipment difference being a navigation screen most users opt out from getting in the first place! Also, the base model Ford Escape and base Escape Hybrid are priced at $20,140 and $27,445 respectively. That is a whopping difference of $7,305. We will come back to the issue of cost, but now we will move on to the environment and how it is affected. Ransom’s first major point of interest is the fact t... ... cost of replacement will fall onto the customer. The costs of replacement the battery packs range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the model. This piece of information would be very important to include in Ransom’s article if he is trying to compare and contrast benefits of having a hybrid. Because the article appeared in a journalistic setting, the author is trying to appeal to a general audience by using language that is to formal or informal. The genre is an opinionated article with statistics that he uses trying to sway readers and influence their thoughts In Conclusion, if Ransom is trying to persuade the general public that is a good idea to buy a hybrid at this time, he is going to need to use more conclusive evidence that proves it is worth the setbacks. Works Cited Ransom, Kevin. http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/01/28/buy.hybrid/index.html

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Perfection: already in humans?

Dear Brother Allen,Hope this letter finds you in good stead and full of happiness. Here I'm also feeling happy, as today I have the scope to write to you. Everything is going fine here at our Institute, which is in fact going from strength to strength with the steady enrolment of new volunteers.News apart, I'm feeling excited to share certain reflections of my present day thought which you wanted to know. Presently I'm preparing a discourse aimed to bolster the spirit of the modern youth and I would like to share some excerpts from it.The recent train of thought in me has provided a new light on the topic of perfection. It has been for quite some time, I was receiving various hints from the nature and the living beings about the genesis of perfection. Later, one day when I was trying to join those loose threads of thought, I suddenly stumbled upon a revelation – which, in fact has brought in a new bend in my vision! No, it hasn't brought me on any crossroad – on the con trary, it has elevated me to a plane, from where I'm seeing more things with more clarity.The idea, of which I'm excited about, can be expressed in a single phrase and I'm doing that for you now: â€Å"Education is the manifestation of perfection, which is already in humans†!This is the goldmine of ideas that I've struck just a few days back. It perfectly conforms with the philosophy of Vedanta – even more, it consolidates the very base of it – that is, Monism.Let me try to explain in detail. You must be knowing that Vedanta philosophy is essentially based on the idea that it is one unique that has been working all around.. This premise brings down this fact that the Almighty is not something or someone existing in somewhere, but it is He who is in us, exists equally everywhere. All around us and beyond is attuned with His existence. Now when I was contemplating with the idea of perfection, it suddenly came to my mind that if He is in us, and if He is the epitom e of perfection, then perfection is supposed to be inherent in us as well! This idea made me so excited and I took to the narrow road down through our garden and settled myself beneath our big banyan tree to meditate in the joy of revelation.Brother James, the halo of this idea is still exerting its influence in me; as now I am gradually coming to the terms of its fuller possibilities; which, in essence is a limitless magic of the Divine Almighty.Imagine what would happen, if each individual perceives this truth that they are already endowed with the power to be perfect in their acts and deeds, and all they have to do is to tap that infinite reservoir of power! Then this would bring in a collective spiritual revolution across the globe; where all men and women would be busy in discovering the inner power of their own and all will be on the equal plane with a soothing sense of equality! Being convinced of equality, all would only be eager to extend their helping hands to others.This act of recognizing the inner reservoir of perfection has to have innumerable other implications as well, let alone the possibility of a collective and organized journey towards salvation. It would shorten the cycle of rebirth if there is any; because it would connect to the soul, the spirit, or the atman in Vedic parlance; which would in itself be an act of rising over the body and mind!The application of this new found philosophy, as I'm feeling from within, would actually set everyone in motion; much like the gases in the stars which emit the light till it attains the nirvana or moksha or salvation,   you name it! This would only spell a relentless development but without any competition; it would be a confident march where everyone will arise, awake and will stop not till the goal is reached.I can feel the excitement in me already, which speaks of the power of this idea. It was only days back I wrote in the pages of my intended discourse for the youth of the world: â€Å"What I want is the muscles of iron and nerves of steel, of which the thunderbolt is made..†Ã‚   and now I have to add lines to it, mentioning clearly that â€Å"you have it all in you, the iron, the steel, the thunderbolt. All you need is to believe in this fact and act on this. The rest will take care of it.†Brother Allen, I sincerely pray that this idea evokes a new spirit in you too, that you become aware of your potential and utilize it to the fullest and bask in the glory of salvation after blooming like a star or a flower in this universe.Best Wishes,Swami Vivekananda,Ramkrishna Mission,Kolkata, India.01/01/1889Works ConsultedSayings of Swami Vivekananda. 3 Nov. 2007http://mysticsaint.blogspot.com/2005/06/sayings-of-swami-vivekananda.htmlQuotes of Swami Vivekananda. 3 Nov. 2007.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://thinkexist.com/quotes/swami_vivekananda/Biography of Swami Vivekananda. 3 Nov. 2007.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www. writespirit.net/authors/swami_vivekananda/biography-swami-  Ã‚  Ã‚   vivekananda/Swami Vivekananda. http://www.sriramakrishna.org/vvksay.htm

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Psychological Contract and Its Application

The Psychological Contract and its application The psychological contract and its application After the first descriptions and definitions of psychological contract 1960s, a great number of experts show their opinions on this topic and discuss with each other. The widely acknowledged definition of psychological contract may be in Michaei Armstrong’s book, the human resource management practice(10th Ed. 2006,cited in business ball):`†¦the employment relationship consist of a unique combination of beliefs held by an individual and his employer about what they expect of one another†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ In other words, it briefly means the relationship between employers and employees in terms of mutual expectations and beliefs. This essay aims to begin with giving different ideas on psychological contract from different dimensions, and then analyze the situation of such contract at present, at last, prospect the application of this contract in the 21st century.As a whole, there exp erts: Edgar Schein, DM Rousseau and KA Wade-Benzoni, PR Sparrow give their opinion respectively. As Schein (Schein, 1965, cited in business ball) states that the psychological contract is a relationship between all members in one organization by using an unwritten contract. This statement highlights the earlier ideas on the concept. Then, Rousseau&Wade-Benzoni got other different opinions in the relationship between employers and employees . e (Rousseau&Wade-Benzoni, 1994, cited in business ball) claims that psychological contracts means how different people in the same organization understand the promises and commitments. Later, Sparrow (PR Sparrow, 1999, cited in business ball) who notice the dynamic quality, social and emotional factors of the psychological contract notes that the psychological contract should be considered with social and emotional aspects of exchange.Although these three experts show different dimension of the psychological contract, they all suggest that first ly, psychological contract is a relationship between employers and employees. Secondly, beliefs, emotional factors or mutual obligations are included in such contract. Besides the importance of the definition of the psychological contract, in practice, it also shows its significance, especially in working conditions. Accords to David E. Guest (Guest DE, 1998:659), the psychological contract should be treated seriously due to its importance.To sum up, it may have three aspects of significance. Firstly, psychological contract can supply a potentially fruitful construct with which to make sense of and explore a new employment relationship and this new employment relationship means a more secure employment and the ubiquitous organizational career. At present, with the development of economic policy and permeated organization ideology , the employment relationship is received more attention than the industrial relationship which is common previously . herefore, the perfect psychological contract tend to build the relationship between employees and employers seems to help manager manage a company. Secondly, the psychological contract has ability to distribute the power. Specifically, inequity exist in employees and employers in term of power or wealth with the development of the economy a psychological may pay attention to the power inequalities in the new employment relationship. And under that situation, in seems difficult to renege the contract in one organization involved.Then at last, the gap of power or wealthy may be shrank Thirdly, with the psychological contract, employees and employers in a organization can understand each other easier because the contract is built by mutual, emotional factors and beliefs. In other words, the employees can know the employers’ requirements and try their best to satisfy them. Also the employers can give employees what they need (promotion, high wage, vacation etc). this can result in high efficient in the organization .However, even though numerous experts examine the psychological contract practically, and it really has several advantages in real word, with the change of the working relationship, the psychological contract in working condition is complicate. Problems should be considered either. As Niall Cullinane and Tony Dundon conclude in their paper: The psychological contract: A critical review (Niall Cullinane and Tony Dundon, 2006). There are three problems should be thought. The first one is that the contract currently is still be used mainly in theory but not in practice.Therefore, when employees and employers apply this contract to a real company, confusion may be emerge because the contract is too theoretical and is not appropriate fro usage in real word, especially the new changed world. The second one is that the goal of the psychological contract in terms of employees and employers cannot be always the same. In other words, mixed message and divergent expectations can emerge in suc h situation. Therefore it is difficult for employees and employers to make the same psychological contracts because they have different interest and purpose.Then lead to a failure in making suitable psychological contract. The third one is the violation of the psychological contract. Employees in one organization generally are in the subordinate position while the employers are in authority. Thus, the employers may easy to build and break the contract while the employees cannot. This, at last, can lead to trust crisis between the employers and employees. By concluding the importance and problems of the psychological contracts, it is still applicable in 21st century not only in theory but also in practice.In theory, maintain that the part of organizational behavior, diversity in opinions, and competing theories and models should be remained and use Rousseau and Tijoriwala's qualitative and quantitative methods to develop the evaluation of the psychological contract, use Porter et al. ‘s (1996) contribution to assess the added value of the concept and adjust the redundancy of basic concept, use some models exist to solve the dynamics and effects of change in psychological contracts in the future.In practice, because the working condition is changed, so the psychological contracts should be changed either. Like the table 1 (Hiltrop, J. M, 1995, cited in Neil Anderson and Rene Schalk, 1998:642) shows in the essay: the psychological contract in retrospect and prospect. The psychological should be changed in the aspects of focus, format, underlying basis, employees’ and employer’s responsibility, contractual relations, career management in order to meet needs of the employment relationship rather than industrial relationship.Then, this can be applied in 21st century. In conclusion, psychological contract is complex in terms of theory and reality. Therefore, experts still need to do more research on this contract and emphasize on the usage of this contract in a changed new environment, if the theory of psychological contract is perfect and can be revised properly in practice, then it can be useful in 21st century. Reference 1. Niall Cullinane and Tony Dundon (2006) The psychological contract: A critical review: International Journal of Management Reviews, doi: 10. 111/j. 1468-2370. 2006. 00123. x 2. David E. Guest (1998) Is the Psychological Contract Worth Taking Seriously? : Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 19, 649-664 3. Neil Anderson and Rene Schalk (1998) The Psychological Contract in Retrospect and Prospect: Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 19, 637-647 4. business ball. The psychological contract. www. businessballs. com/psychological-contracts-theory. htm

Sunday, September 15, 2019

360-Degree Performance Reviews Provide Greater Feedback in Healthcare

Abstract Healthcare organizations have a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to measuring performance and understanding development needs. Some are strong at measuring clinical or functional skills. Yet few are equally adept at assessing the non-clinical skills that are so important to overall success in a healthcare organization. 360-degree feedback can play a significant role in understanding the other side of performance, those skills that are not directly tied to day-to-day, job specific ability. Rather than relying on the perceptions of one individual, 360-degree feedback takes into account multiple perspectives. This is especially important when one person (i. e. , the employee’s manager) does not have the opportunity to observe all areas of the employee’s performance. Those working alongside the employee, along with the supervisor, are generally able to provide a more comprehensive look at the employee’s behavior and/or performance. 360-Degree Performance Reviews Provide Greater Feedback in Healthcare I. Introduction Performance of individual employees is central to the long-term success of an organization. Healthcare organizations have a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to measuring performance and understanding development needs. Some are strong at measuring clinical or functional skills. Yet few are equally adept at assessing the non-clinical skills that are so important to overall success in a healthcare organization. Clinical, or functional, ability is at the base of healthcare performance. However, possessing these skills does not always ensure success. Unfortunately, many organizations ignore â€Å"soft side† skills like communication and relationship management, viewing these interpersonal and behavioral skills as â€Å"nice to have† qualities. Yet lack of interpersonal performance is something that generally cannot be compensated for by even the strongest of clinical skills (Maylett, 2009). II. Expectations of the Consumer Issues of performance and productivity are continuously being scrutinized by the leaders of healthcare organizations. Although cost is urrently the driving force for health care system reform, there is still great concern for the quality of the health care provided. Consumers of healthcare services are now asking â€Å"How can I get the best care for the least amount of money? † This means that for an organization to gain competitive advantage, they must make sure that not only is the quality of care high, but the cost must al so be reasonable when compared to other providers of similar services. Equally important for the healthcare organization to recognize is that the definition of quality performance is not â€Å"value-neutral†. Standards are continuously evolving to reflect changes in values, new scientific findings, new technology, changes in regulatory requirements and laws and changes in the healthcare market place. The changes in these standards reflect the differences between the purchaser and the patient. The healthcare purchaser is concerned how effectively their dollars are spent and getting the most care for their money, while the patient expects the healthcare provider to be responsive to their individual needs (Popovich, 1998). Currently, the Joint Commission requires accredited healthcare organizations to assess, track and improve the competence of all employees (Fried & Fottler, 2008). In addition, the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Awards best business practices includes a model that is being increasingly followed by the healthcare industry that addresses key human resource practices directed toward creating a high performance workplace and toward developing staff by performance management systems (Kuzmits, Adams, Sussman & Rabo, 2004). As cost stabilizes and becomes more aligned across providers, quality will become more important in deciding which organization or provider to use. According to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, â€Å"accurate, complete and relevant performance data can provide users of organizational services with objective evidence on which quality judgments can be based. † Patients and consumers now consistently assess the performance history of healthcare providers, organizations and systems. Therefore, those providers should be assessing their performance to help identify opportunities for improvement (Popovich). III. Performance Assessment and Management Having a well-functioning performance management system can help the organization determine several things, including the effectiveness of their selection process, the effectiveness of their training mechanisms and whether the organization’s compensation program is effective at driving employees to perform at a higher level. Performance management refers to a set of tools and practices that consists of setting goals with employees, designing strategies to make and sustain improvement, monitoring progress toward achieving goals, ongoing feedback and coaching by supervisors and peers, and measuring individual performance. Supervisors and employees tend to be uneasy about performance management and reviews, considering the process uncomfortable, highly unproductive and sometimes even unnecessary. Managers are often uncomfortable with sitting down to discuss concerns about performance with employees and employees often feel as though their managers are being critical and condescending during the process. Complicating matters is that performance appraisals and reviews can be extremely emotional, especially when directly tied to an employee’s potential compensation. Traditional performance appraisals have involved the employee’s manager collecting information about the employee, observing their performance and then sharing that information back with the employee. The review may include discussions about promotion, change in compensation, disciplinary action, transfer or recommendations for training. One concern with these types of assessments is that they are often subject to the biases and subjectivity of a single individual. Given the complexity of most healthcare jobs, it is often unrealistic for one individual to accurately describe the employee’s performance. In addition, traditional performance appraisal done purely for administrative reasons may be less than adequate for encouraging development, career planning or performance improvement (Jackson & Greller, 1998). Another concern with the traditional single source performance appraisal is that supervisors only view performance from one perspective and often cannot directly observe employee performance. Furthermore, supervisor-based appraisal systems do not easily capture many important employee contributions, such as helping and training coworkers and being good team players (Fedor, Bettenhausen & Davis, 1999). IV. Multi-source, or 360-degree, Performance Reviews Assessing performance in today’s complex health care environment resents a challenge to the healthcare profession. In order to effectively evaluate performance within this complex and evolving environment, evaluation from multiple sources is required. Among the most useful ways to collect job performance information is to use multiple sources, or 360-degree feedback. This method recognizes that for most positions, relying on one source of information about an employee’s performance leads to incomplete and often inaccurat e information. This is especially important when one person (i. e. the employee’s supervisor) does not have the opportunity to observe all areas of the employee’s performance. Those working alongside the employee, along with the supervisor, are generally able to provide a more comprehensive look at the employee’s behavior and/or performance. Feedback is a vital part of performance, growth and development. Understanding ourselves and how we interact with others helps us to understand what impact we have on those around us. A 360-degree assessment provides a comprehensive summary of an employee’s skills, abilities, styles and job-related competencies. The logic underlying 360-degree feedback is that there are many sources of information in organizations, and much of that information is available both to the manager and to the employee. Co-workers, customers, other managers and even the employee themselves can be sources of feedback (Jackson & Greller). Simply put, 360-degree feedback is a method for evaluating an employee’s performance based upon feedback from everyone with whom the individual comes in contact – supervisors, coworkers, partners, subordinates, even the general public. This type of feedback helps employees see themselves as others see them and allows them to seriously examine their behavior. It allows them to understand how others view their effectiveness and become more cognizant of how their effectiveness as an individual, co-worker or employee is perceived by others. It can reveal areas in which employees are performing particularly well and those areas in which there is room for improvement. 360-degree feedback provides the employee and the organization with a wealth of information including the following: †¢ an increase in self-knowledge for the employee encourages continuous learning †¢ stimulates the employee to enhance their strengths †¢ identifies areas that need development or improvement †¢ provides guidance for positive change †¢ supports coaching and mentoring initiatives This information helps to build a partnership between the individual and the organization to maintain the process of continuous growth (Bentl ey, n. d. ). This review process is also helpful for the supervisor – it can provide a more accurate assessment of an employee’s performance and help eliminate accusations of favoritism. The process provides greater objectivity and because it is submitted anonymously, it provides a supervisor with the most unbiased and accurate information from which to draw performance conclusions. This new level of understanding is invaluable as employees develop professionally. Recent studies suggest that a large percentage of workers who have participated in 360-degree reviews feel that the feedback was more accurate and more reflective of their performance than feedback from just one supervisor (Gallagher, 2008). Additionally, this information provides great benefits to the healthcare organization as well: †¢ it enhances employee morale †¢ aids in assigning work †¢ stimulates employees to improve their work †¢ provides a basis for employment termination for sub-standard performers †¢ assists in determining who should be promoted, transferred or given additional compensation †¢ reveals exceptional employee talents and skills †¢ uncovers weaknesses in the training program †¢ promotes confidence in employer’s fairness †¢ helps resolve disputes in arbitration cases †¢ offers a basis for employee guidance and counseling (Harrison, 1978). In healthcare organizations, multisource appraisal, or 360-degree feedback, can play a significant role in understanding the other side of performance, those skills that are not directly tied to day-to-day, job-specific ability. These include such things as how well the individual collaborates with other health professionals to achieve desired outcomes, how well they improve their knowledge and understanding of their own performance, how they keep up to date with new developments and the degree to which they are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses (Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario, 2009). Partly in response to concerns about performance and patient safety, and partly in response to demands for accountability to patients and funding agencies, the assessment of healthcare employee competence has received much attention. These concerns have shifted the concept of competence from a narrow definition of â€Å"clinical competence† or the ability to perform technical medical acts to â€Å"behavioral competence† which includes interpersonal and communication skills, judgment, relationship management and professionalism (Lockyer, 2003). Healthcare worker performance is recognized as being complex, multi-factorial and non-linear in nature. It is clearly influenced by the fact that healthcare workers perform within teams and systems and that their performance oftentimes is a reflection of the performance of the broader environment in which they work (Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario). While there is wide acknowledgement that faulty systems and processes within the delivery of health care may adversely affect patient safety, individual failures can also contribute to patient injuries and complications. At a minimum, healthcare worker competency must be assured to maximize patient safety, as well as to ensure that the highest quality of patient care is provided. In addition, providing feedback that helps coworkers develop their interpersonal and task-related skills can improve work unit performance and, possibly, make one’s job easier and their environment more pleasant (Fedor, Bettenhausen & Davis). As a result of individual performance assessments, 360-degree performance feedback in healthcare has the added advantage of identifying organizational improvement opportunities. Individual performance problems may identify larger systems or team challenges within a department or organization. The identification of these issues may be useful in guiding quality improvement initiatives that can be undertaken by the healthcare organization (Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario). Multisource feedback is seen as potentially more useful than supervisor-only evaluations, especially in environments like healthcare organizations where the organizational structure is more flat and team-based (Rynes, Gerhart & Parks, 2005). Most 360-degree feedback programs are strategic initiatives resulting in a tested method of improving productivity and job satisfaction. They are designed to support increased competitive advantage, development of leaders, increases in productivity, improved morale and job satisfaction and retention of high-performing employees (Bentley). Using 360-degree performance review models provides for ongoing measurement of healthcare delivery performance and subsequent assessment of the quality of that care. In addition, the models can be revised as needed to reflect the changes in the healthcare system and in the perspectives of the different sources that determine the standards that must be met and the resulting performance assessment. The 360-degree evaluation will help employees identify their strengths so they can build on them at the same time it addresses their skill gaps. It is a process that leads to continuous learning, team building, growing self-confidence and improved productivity. V. Conclusion A changing healthcare environment has resulted in an increased focus on performance, both at the organizational and individual levels. Healthcare managers and leaders face an increased need to focus on both operational, or clinical, performance as well as non-clinical performance such as communication, leadership and interpersonal skills. Performance measured solely from a clinical skills perspective misses a critical factor – behavior skills, or the â€Å"soft-side† of performance (Maylett & Riboldi, 2008). Managers lacking in the non-clinical/non-functional side of leadership typically experience significant issues that eventually lead to decreased overall performance. On an organizational level, this could potentially result in high turnover, disengaged employees and lack of teamwork which will eventually impact patient care. Healthcare leaders are under increased pressure to raise the performance bar. Consumers and patients are demanding healthcare organizations deliver superior customer service and patient care in an often difficult environment. It is vital that healthcare leaders look at both elements of performance – the clinical AND the interpersonal. Each element plays a critical role in the overall effectiveness of the employee, manager and the organization and ultimately in the organization’s competitive advantage. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bentley, T. (n. d. ). Cumulative 360 Data Guides Strategic Planning. Panoramic Feedback. Retrieved from http://www. panoramicfeedback. com/shared/articles/hrdotorg. html. Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario. (2009). 360-Degree Physician Performance Review Toolkit. Ontario, Canada. Fedor, D. ,  Bettenhausen, K. ,  &  Davis, W. (1999). Peer reviews: Employees' dual roles as raters and recipients. Group & Organization Management,  24(1),  92-120. Retrieved January 25, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID:  39161423). Fried, B & Fottler, M. (2008). Human Resources in Healthcare: Managing for Success. (3rd ed. ) Chicago, IL. Health Administration Press. Gallagher, T. (2008). 360-Degree Performance Reviews Offer Valuable Perspectives. Financial Executive, 24(10), 61. Retrieved from Business Source Premier database. Harrison, R (1978). Performance Evaluation in a Medical Environment. Medical Group Management, Sept. /Oct. 1978, 22-23. Retrieved from Business Source Premier database. Jackson, J. , & Greller, M. (1998). Decision Elements for Using 360 ° Feedback. Human Resource Planning, 21(4), 18-28. Retrieved from Business Source Premier database. Kuzmits, F. , Adams, A. , Sussman, L. , & Raho, L. (2004). 360-feedback in health care management: a field study. Health Care Manager, 23(4), 321-328. Retrieved from CINAHL with Full Text database. Lockyer, J. (2003). Multisource feedback in the assessment of physician competencies. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 23(1), 4-12. Retrieved from CINAHL with Full Text database. Maylett, T. 2009). Healthcare Leadership Looking Beyond the Clinical Side of Performance. DecisionWise Leadership Intelligence. Retrieved from http://www. decwise. com. Maylett, T. & Riboldi, J. (2008). Guide to Using 360 Degree Feedback for Performance Reviews. Retrieved January 18, 2010 from http://www. decwise. com/pdf/DecisionWise-Whitepaper-Guide-to-Using-360s-for-Performance-Reviews. pdf Popovich, J (1998. ) Multidi mensional Performance Measurement. Journal of Nursing Care Quality. 12(4):14-21[Article: PDF Only]Retrieved from CINAHL with full text database. Rynes, S. , Gerhart, B. ,

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Analyse How the Film ‘The Matrix’ presents two Different Versions of Reality

We are presented with two different versions of reality. In one we get the feeling of everything being enclosed and lifeless, this is the Matrix which is a computer program designed as a trap for human minds. In it people have no individuality; they are all just part of the system. The other reality is a harsh post apocalyptic one where computers have enslaved humanity and the sky is dark. This reality is when humans are conscious and no longer part of the Matrix. In the first scene I analysed the, the camera moves along a split section of a wall next to Neo's office until he comes into view. This reminds us that there are walls all around and he is enclosed, this is important because it shows that in the Matrix people are enclosed to make them easier to control. The office he is in is very bland and the lighting is subdued to give the feeling of oppression, this demonstrates how the Matrix has been designed to be dull and uninspiring. The walls parting the office Neo works in are very short allowing people to see over them, this gives the impression of being watched all the time. When the delivery man enters the scene and gives Neo the package it is all done in a monotonous way. Neo and the delivery man do not make eye contact and even when the delivery man talks to Neo he does so in an emotionless way. This accentuates how people in the Matrix act like machines and tend not to show much human emotion. Neo opens the package to find a mobile phone inside. The phone rings as soon as neo opens it, this makes it seem like whoever is phoning him is watching him. When Neo answers the phone music starts, it is a fast beat but not very loud, this builds tension and helps make the mood more exciting. Morpheus speaks to Neo and tells him to look over his office wall, as he does this, the camera cuts to what he is looking at. Neo sees the agents talking to a woman. The music turns into a dramatic drum roll as the agents come into view; this builds drama in the scene and shows that the agents are not good. The agents are wearing black suits which contrast against the cream walls of the office and normal clothes everyone else are wearing. This shows us that they are important and not just normal people. The agents also wear sunglasses, eyes are an important part of the human face and are in some cultures said to be windows to the soul. By dressing the agents in sunglasses I think the director intended to make them less human and without a soul like machines. The agents all turn their heads in unison to look at Neo, this is very abnormal and creepy, and it makes them look as though they are all one unit. Neo quickly ducks down to stop the agents from seeing him. We see Neo crouching on the phone; the camera gives us an aerial view of Neo. The way we see him crouching in the corner of his office with no where to escape, like a caged animal is like a metaphor for the Matrix being like a Zoo for humans. As Neo leaps into a cubical on instruction from Morpheus the music slows down and Neo hides in a dark corner. The slow music makes the audience relax slightly and the dark lights emphasises that Neo is hiding away. As Neo then runs around the office the music gets much faster and builds excitement and energy. The camera tracks Neo as he runs away which makes the office look like a maze. The maze could also be interpreted as the Matrix with Morpheus is guiding him out of to escape from the agents, this mirrors what happens in the film when Morpheus really does guide Neo out of the Matrix. I think that by making the Matrix look like a dull, lifeless place the directors were trying to show us that the matrix was designed to be un-stimulating and mind controlling to stop people questioning their reality, so they don't realise that they are in the Matrix and learn how to control it to escape. The program gives people just enough stimulation to keep their minds occupied while the computers use their bodies for energy. When the scene on Morpheus's ship first starts the screen is black and we hear Morpheus's voice. This makes it feel as if we are hearing him through the ears of someone who is asleep. The light then gets very bright then fades to a shot of Trinity. The way the light is very bright then fades makes it seem like someone waking up because when you open your eyes after a deep sleep everything seems too bright and hurts your eyes. The shot of Trinity comes from an angle where Neo is laying which makes it seem like we are seeing her through his eyes. We then see an aerial view of Neo's head. He looks very pale and the bed he is laying on is a dark background which makes a contrast to his pale skin, this shows us that he hasn't been exposed to any or much light. He also has no hair with shows he hasn't been growing properly. The fact that he has no hair and is pale also makes him look like a new born baby, this metaphorically expresses how being taken out of the Matrix and coming into the real world is like being reborn. When we see the machines he is being monitored by he looks like a new born baby being kept in an incubator which demonstrates how weak he must be. The music is much slower and calmer in contrast to the fast energetic music that is heard in the matrix. This could be because time is more real in this world and is passing slower. As the camera cuts to different shots of Neo it fades out to black then back in, this could be portraying how time is moving slowly. The fading could also be Neo fading in and out of consciousness. It could have been intended by the directors to look like a hallucinatory affect, as if Neo was dreaming and only semi-conscious. When we see the side shot of Neo we see lots of long needles protruding from his body. The needles reminisce ones used in acupuncture which is an ancient art, mixed with a blue light that shines on Neo to give a futuristic feel. This illustrates the very old mixing with the new to impress upon the audience how science and medicine have moved on and become more advanced through the years, but not forgotten the old techniques like acupuncture. When Neo talks to Morpheus we see he has grown some hair, this shows us that a lot of time has passed. The music is very calm which sets a mood of security. The camera tracks along Neo's body showing all of the holes and instruments sticking out of him, this shows us that Neo has never used his muscles before so the medical equipment is helping him grow some faster. The fact that he has things sticking in his skin and going beneath the skin show us how things are real, but in the Matrix people are just digital projections of their minds. It's like when you pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming. The scene ends by fading to black again which could mean Neo is drifting out of consciousness or that time is passing.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Amadeus Film Citique

The director fashioned an experience for viewers to become familiar with historical aspects of Mozart life and career, but also created imagery that aided in the embellishment of the composers relationships. A variety of these historical events were romanticizes for the sake of entertainment (Robbins). The film begins In the setting of young Mozart prodigy years, depicts his career as a highly acclaimed composer within Europe. The narrator is competing composer, Antonio Saltier.Amadeus plot, essentially, is Galleries solemn account of his constant rivalry, jealousy, and persistence to cause Mozart ultimate demise. The accuracy of two key relationships or events have been widely criticized within the isotonic, musical, and entertainment community. Most obvious is the dynamic of the relationship between Mozart and Saltier. In the film, Mozart is depicted as the bane of Galleries existence. Jealousy, disdain, and an eventual hunger for revenge backfires on the angst ridden musician.Saltier uses his political standing to influence the courts to contract Mozart to be resident musician, essentially working him to death (Amadeus). It Is evidenced, In letters from Mozart memoir that Saltier did lad In getting him this position, but not out of spite or with In bad conscience. There Is also scene in which Saltier uses his position to keep Mozart from receiving the job of being a prestigious music instructor for a European princess, but in reality, Saltier actually filled the position as a result of having more experience than young musician (Bloom, peg 263).Shaffer is said to have capitalized on Alexander Pushpins poetic drama, Motorcars I Slayers, which describes Saltier poisoning Mozart to death (Mormon). Historically, it is recorded that in the last hours of his life, Mozart requested for a choir composed of his dearest friends to privately perform his final piece, Requiem (Exultant). Although he had been commissioned by a private messenger to compose Requiem for a patrons funeral, his own early demise kept It him from completing It.Letters show that Mozart requested former student, Franz Summary, to complete It If he passed (leaflets). Conversely, the film ends In a moment of utter irony. Saltier is seated at Mozart deathbed, taking cues and direction from the ill historically legitimate, the portrayal of Mozart wife, Constance, depicts her in shambles as she continuously monitors Mozart in his ill state (Exultant). Fact and film, like, both show that the composer was overworked, but obsessed with his mission, and struggled to keep up with an ideal standard of living.After the musicians death, Constants still strove to provide the same standard of living for her family, and contact ed Summary to finish the Requiem so she could receive the payment originally promised by the private commissioner (Exultant). Interviews have provided insight as to why Shaffer and Foreman claimed such freedom with creativity concerning the accuracies and untruths concerning the film: From the start we agreed upon one thing: we were not making an objective Life of Knolling Mozart. This cannot be stressed too strongly.Obviously Amadeus on stage Nas never intended to be a documentary biography of the composer, and the film is even less of one. Certainly we have incorporated many real elements, new as well as true But we are also blatantly claiming the grand license of the storyteller to embellish his tale with fictional ornament and, above all, to supply it with a climax Noose sole Justification need be that it enthrall his audience and emblazons his theme. I believe that we have created Just such a climax for the film of Amadeus . Peter Shaffer (Robbins). Culturally, the film has made a noted impact on the modern music scene.Fall Out Boy, a popular rock band in the early sasss, referenced a conversation between the character, Saltier, and God in their song titled, From Now on, Were Enemies. Several other heavy metal bands reference the agony and internal conflict between the jealous musician and God, in their lyrics. More recognizable scenes from Amadeus have been parodied by various sitcoms and cartoons such as Family Guy, The Simpson, 30 Rock, and How I Met Your Mother (Root). In 1985, contributors of the film were awarded with eight different Oscar awards, accompanied by thirteen nominations in total. It was nominated for eight Golden Globe awards and won four. Shaffer and Foremans Amadeus, has maintained a position in the top 250 movies of all time, on Minds website, at 88th place (Midi). Rhea film, rated R, stylistically similar to a dramatic musical, and having historical relevance, appeals to nearly legal through more aged adults who are also educated and have heightened musical inclinations. Although younger adults may perceive the film through slightly different vantage points than older adults, most could equally relate as a result of the subject matter being relatively dated to the even the elder of the viewers.

Pay For Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pay For Play - Essay Example I have chosen to write about this topic as I have seen college athletes undergoing much sacrifice and bring money but they are not paid in return. Second reason I chose this topic is because I have been a football player in college and I understand what it means to work to get money for extra spending. So I believe that college athletes should be paid has they put lot effort in bringing advantage to college. (Thesis) College athletes have developed into uncrowned and undefined athletic heroes who strive and struggle to bring a well -defined fame and earn an overly demarcated reputation for the institute, which has been over the years counted as their performing duty that calls for no justification to be paid financially. However, I strongly believe that the regulations regarding payment of college athletes be changed because these players bring in too much money and put in too much work for them to not be earning a paycheck. Major sports played at college-Sports have been an integral part of college education and it has always encouraged and inspired students to be more active and contribute to the college heritage. The colleges hold sport events on a regular basis and it has been a way to explore the talent and skill of students from a different dimension. Sports have united and inspired young men to be able and fit to become a professional sportsman. The major sports played at college and university level are football, basketball, baseball and softball. The history of sports at college and university can be traced back to couple of centuries History of college sports-The history of college sports is thought to be originated around 1850s and since then it has been evolved to become a major mission in educational campuses across America. It has been regarded as the perfect physical activity and the desire of the young men. The competitive spirit and vigor which consisted in college sports hiked the mental and physical pleasure of the students. The college autho rities elaborately planned sports activities which motivated the students immensely and sports event on college and national level became a prestigious venture and money making phenomena for college authorities. On the other hand, the students athletes remained thrilled about being college’s selected people and representatives of college on state level. Moreover, the media kept the young athletes in the lime light and the scholarship provided by colleges to them stood as a bonus. Recruitment of college athletes -Recruiting is a significant phase in college sports. The recruitment process is headed by college coach and large amount of power is vested with him in selecting the college athletes. It has been experienced that the selection procedure of athletes many a times is subjected to bias and discriminations. For the recruitment procedure, the athletes are required to do rigorous practice and this take lot of energy and time of the students which ruined their academics. The most important point in consideration is that these institutes that have been developed to nurture, maintain and enhance the intellectual minds at the professional level and speed up the purpose of taming the existing skills into more sophisticated commercial and other practical uses, when they employ physical strengths of the same youth alongside to the above mentioned rational goals, how could they be ignorant of giving the youth the required motivation to grow in athletics? (ESPN Colleeg Sports, 2013)However, when it comes to payment

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Effects of Drug Abuse on Society Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Effects of Drug Abuse on Society - Assignment Example Shockingly, almost 20 % of costs for hospitals in Medicaid and a quarter of funds allocated to Medicare and spent on inpatient care go to substance abuse treatments. Also, looking at our prisons, about 70% of individual inmates have once been regular drug users. The state prison population growth is accounted for by up to more than a third of drug offenders. Worse still is that this same group of individuals has contributed an 80% growth in the population of the prison since 1985. It can be seen that drug abuse is the number one cause for offenses committed by inmates and is also highly costly to the national budget. As Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse puts it, â€Å"Drug abuse and addiction are a major burden to society; economic costs alone are estimated to exceed half a trillion dollars annually in the United States, including health, crime-related costs, and losses in productivity. However, as staggering as these numbers are, they provide a limited perspective of the devastating consequences of this disease.† This picture shows how other aspects of the society can suffer underdevelopment due to drugs. The drugs problem affects every age group in the society including children who stay with their parents who are struggling with their addiction. Over time, studies by scientists on drug abuse were shadowed by myths. Drug addicts have been thought of as morally flawed and not having willpower. This view majorly shaped society’s response toward drug abuse. Instead of treating it as a health problem, it was taken to be a moral failing. As such, punitive criminal justice was the strategy of choice in curbing it. This was at the expense of therapeutic actions that are preventative and having a base in public health understanding regarding addiction and recovery. Recently done research has identified environmental, psychological and biological factors contributing to addiction development and progression.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Case Study- The man who said no to Wal-Mart Study

- The man who said no to Wal-Mart - Case Study Example Almost no matter what you're selling, the gravitational force of Wal-Mart's 3,811 U.S. "doorways" is irresistible" (Fishman, 2006). So what would make Jim Wier the CEO of lawn-equipment maker Simplicity say no to Wal-Mart This research endeavors to unravel this mystery by critically evaluating the issues that arise from the case study and independent research. 1. From its inception Wal-Mart's center of attention has always been about Every Day Low Pricing, and that view remains to this day. Sam Walton in "Made in America." is quoted as saying that Wal-Mart is obsessed with having the lowest prices. On the other hand, according to Wier, snapper is obsessed with having differentiated, high-end, quality products" and not the price. These are two very different points of view. These differences in corporate objectives can also be glimpsed from sentiments by a Wal-Mart high-ranking executive that a trillion dollars in annual turnover for the group is not as unreal as it may sound while Wier's own sentiments don't seem to share this view. He says that snapper is not primarily as keen on volumes. Target Customers and Market Segmentation. Market segmentation is an issue that arises as we study the snapper/Wal-Mart case. It can be defined as the division of a market into subsets of prospects with similar characteristics that distinguish them as likely to purchase certain offerings. Walker, Mullins, Boyd & Larreche. (2006). There are different categories of need that an offering satisfies and customers fit in different categories depending on their needs. Wal-Mart for all its worth uses low price as its key marketing and competitive strategy and often targets lower and lower middle-class customers. These low prices have another advantage in that they eliminate the cost of regular sales promotions. Wal-mart has also adopted a unique inventory system that that has allowed economies of scale resulting in a reduction in the costs of sales. Wal-Mart takes advantage in its being able to purchase in bulk and selling the goods itself. The strategy has served Wal-Mart-well over the years as evidenced by its unprecedented growth . Wal-Mart offers a selection of goods based on their customer's requirements. They are low on high-end goods because of the belief that people need discounted prices on practical products as opposed to the expensive brand name goods. Wal-Mart relies on their convenience and low prices. Wal-Mart does not have specific sections for specific brands. Snapper on the other hand is convinced that customers are different and targets high-end users. Believing that their customer's primary motivation would be performance and the longevity not low price. The Wal-Mart's popularity is mainly due to the following Every Day Low Price strategy. This has proved to be an all time winner mainly