Sc300: Big Ideas in Science: from Methods to Mutation

Jennifer Rivera SC300: Big Ideas in Science: From Methods to Mutation Professor: Shalon Bull August 14, 2012 1. List all of the components of two of your meals. Meal #1 – Breakfast For breakfast I had a Tuna fish sandwich, with lettuce, two slices of tomato, sauteed onions, and Hellmann's mayonnaise. I also had approximately 10 ounces of Minute Maid Tropical fruit Juice. Meal #2 – Lunch My Lunch consisted of a grilled Tyson chicken breast fillets, with steamed mix vegetables, and 8 ounces of bottle purified Dasani water. 1A. Where did each component of your meal originate?List the country that each part of your meal came from. Meal #1 – Breakfast The origin of the Tuna fish sandwich is as follows; The bread for the sandwich was two slices of Holsum whole wheat bread which is made in Puerto Rico, one 5 ounce chicken of the sea tuna can which is made in San Diego California, The lettuce and tomato was locally grown on the US Virgin Islands St. Croix by local farmer s, the Hellmann’s Mayonnaise was made in New York and the Minute Maid Tropical fruit Juice is produced by the Coca Cola Bottling Co. f Atlanta, GA. Meal #2 – Lunch The Tyson Chicken Breast Fillets are from Springdale, Arkansas and the mix vegetables are locally grown on the US Virgin Islands St. Croix by local farmers. The Dasani water is produced by the Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Atlanta, GA. 1B. List where you purchased the products from. Being the St. Croix US Virgin Islands is only 84 square miles and has a population of about 60,000 people we only have two main grocery stores which are the same just two different locations, Plaza Extra East and Plaza Extra West.I do all my shopping for grocery in Plaza Extra East for the last 20 plus years. So Meal #1 – Breakfast, and Meal #2 – Lunch were all purchased from Plaza Extra East on St. Croix USVI. 1C. Consider the chain of events that took the product to get from the farm/laboratory to your table Being tha t St. Croix is located in the Caribbean, most of our foods supply come from the State of Florida and is ship by containers on ships. The fresh produce and bread are shipped from the island of Puerto Rico where they are made.The only thing that is grown on the Virgin Islands is fresh vegetables and some fruits. 2. What are some of the benefits of a global market and why? List at least 2 benefits, weighing any short-term and long-term impacts. Some of the benefits of global marketing would be that consumers would have a larger range of products to choose from. Another would be the opportunities to small companies which can expand to serve a global market instead of a small country. This would give consumers the opportunity to buy better products at lower cost.Another benefit would be that opening offices in other countries would provide jobs for locals in that country and for the country that is opening the office this means that they will be getting cheaper labor than that which they would pay in their home country for the same job. 3. What are some of the impacts of this global market and why? Considering both short-term and long-term impacts, provide at least 2 negative impacts. Some of the negative impacts that the global market can experience can be caused by poor management of these international markets and others can occur naturally like for example bad weather.Weather and natural disasters can affect the global market in many ways, for example a country like China which exports Rice, can experience bad weather for a year which would affect the production of rice, this would not only affect China economically but cause the global price of rice to rise and the availability of the produce to diminish. So can we as a Country trust the global market as our primary source of food? I would suggest developing the nation’s agriculture programs and the production of foods in our nation the United States of American, and all other countries should do the sa me.This would be like an emergency reserve in other words. Another negative impact would be regulating the rates of taxation from one country to another. For instance if the rates of taxes are higher in Mexico for an American company then the United States might then move that office to Brazil for example. This would affect the investments market for others which would affect the global market tremendously. 4. Consider the phrase Think Globally, Act Locally. What does it mean to you?This phrase in my opinion means that you are thinking beyond the horizon and understand the issues and needs of the entire world, but need to master and fix the issues of your own country before you can get involved with the rest of the world. I think that if we improve and expand our food production capabilities then we can move on to the global market and work together for the same cause which is to bring food to those places that lack it and so much desires it. 5. Has your research on the global marke t changed the way you will choose goods in the future?Why or why not? After my research on the global market I would say that I will not be changing the way I choose my goods in the future. I would still choose the things that I like and would not change these things just because a nation or country might be benefiting from my purchase more than another. The one thing that I now understand after my research is the reason why certain name brands of products are more expensive than others. The prices of products in the global market fluctuate based on the economical state of the producing country and the markets demands.I learned that the more money a country has the more food and better quality they get, this is why poor countries lack food, and even more have a smaller variety in the food choices. References J. C. Chavis. (April 2010) Negative Impacts of a Global Market for Investment. Retrieved from http://www. brighthub. com/money/investing/articles/69512. aspx â€Å"Economic Glo balization† UC Atlas of Global Inequality. Retrieved from http://ucatlas. ucsc. edu/economic. php Global Marketing. Retrieved from http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/global-marketing. html

The Libyan Revolution

We are living through a revolution, right now, and we don't even know it. While we're all sitting around chatting on facebook, complaining about how much homework we have, and stressing about whether or not we're going to that party on the weekend, the people of the Middle East are staging a rebellion against their dictators. Sometime in the future, this revolt will be in history books, so perhaps we should know something about it, while it's actually happening. In December 2010, Tunisia reared up against President, Ben Ali, in a bid for their undeniable human rights. Major demonstrations took place in Egypt, Djibouti, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, China, Bahrain, and Libya, with minor demonstrations and suicidal protests spreading across almost every country in the Middle East. Dubbed the ‘Jasmine Revolution' by media sources, the conflict across the area is a cry for the abolition of the oppressive dictatorships in place, and the introduction of some form of democracy. With the ousting of President Ben Ali of Tunisia and President Mubarak of Egypt, other leaders have stated that they will not be running for re-election, including the presidents of Yemen and Sudan, while the King of Jordan has named a new Prime Minister. In the people's fight for their rights, this is a huge step forward; Though not without a price. Over the 3 months of protest, over 1600 people have died. Awareness of this has been widely spread by the internet, with images of the violence and terror of the riots, coming to light. Startling images of the military executing civilians at peaceful protests, and mass murder of military members who refused to follow their orders, are among the more disturbing. These images are showing to the rest of the world just how important these riots are to the peace of the Middle East, and the rights of its peoples. While there has been huge success in regime change in Egypt especially, Libya is in the middle of a horrifically violent revolution. Over 1000 of the dead are Libyan, and there seems to be no end in sight. President Gadaffi is refusing to step down, while the people become more focused and empowered, which spells an ongoing, violent revolution, even more so than the riots that toppled Egypt in early February. It is vital that the rest of the world be aware of what is happening in these countries, and with word of mouth, I for one, hope that the world will continue to see progress being made, but also the horror of the sacrifices being made. The internet has been vital in spreading the word, but also in spreading the support for the people, and so with the sentiments of John Green (via twitter) â€Å"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Be Safe. Except you Gadaffi. You can go to hell. †, I urge you to take a look around, think about the people of the Middle East, and find out what's happening with this history-making event, because we are right now, living through what our children will be learning in history class.

Context of Islam and Buddhist Fundamentalism Essay

At its most basic aspect fundamentalism implies attention to the religious fundamentals. According to Martin Marty, groups who feel themselves to be at risk in society return to certain sacred fundamentals as a method for both staving off the attacks of modernity and for reclaiming their own place in a sacred history. Modernity, in this sense, is to be understood in the following context. First, it is to be seen as characterized by the rationalization of authority, and the replacement of a large number of traditional, religious, familial, and ethnic political authorities by a single, secular, national political authority. Second, it is to be seen as involving the differentiation of new political functions and the development of specialized structure for the performance of these functions and third, it is to be seen as the development of increased participation in politics throughout society. Modernity, in this sense, requires the development of a pluralistic society that enables the development of positive identities as opposed to identities understood within the context of marginalized groups or communities. Within a modernist worldview, fundamentalism is thereby seen as a form of ideology, which refuses the consideration of other perspectives. In relation to this, Marty contends, â€Å"people in such cultures [fundamentalist cultures] were threatened by the erosion or assault of what they considered to be ‘modern’† (276). In addition to this, he further states that such cultures thereby use fundamentalist tenets, as â€Å"instruments and weapons for reactivity where†¦the real or presumed foundational elements of belief and practice, story and law† are utilized in order to enable the â€Å"selective retrieval of the past† (Marty 277). If such is the case, fundamentalism may thereby be characterized with a certain form of â€Å"conviction in the world of ‘postmodern relativism’† (Marty 377). However, such a conviction is generally misconstrued as enabling the development of an irrational actor and hence the performance of irrational actions. The practice of fundamentalism has generally been associated with religion hence one is presented with the various forms of religious fundamentalisms such as Catholic fundamentalism, Islam fundamentalism and Buddhist fundamentalism to name a few. As was noted above, such religious groups focus on the fundamental philosophical assumptions of their religion which allows the selective retrieval of a real or presumed history which becomes the basis for fundamentalists’ actions. Due to this, it is generally assumed that fundamentalists are privy to the commitment of irrational actions. From the onset, it is important to note that such an assumption is based upon a misleading conception of the fundamentalist movement. Furthermore, it is important to note that such a conception of fundamentalism is based on an understanding of fundamentalism based on its function. In line with this, the task of this paper is two-fold. First, it aims to discuss the practice of fundamentalism within Islam and Buddhism and second, it aims to consider the effects of these practices on the rights of the minority members of such groups. In order to be more specific, the paper will focus on the philosophical assumptions of such movements and how these assumptions determine and affect the rights of the minority members of such groups specifically that of women. As I reckon, an understanding of fundamentalism necessitates an understanding of it content since it is only through the analysis of fundamentalism’s content that one may be able to present an accurate depiction of the inherent power of the ideas within the movement as well as the relevance of the political actors’ normative commitments. Such an understanding of fundamentalism does not necessarily replace the functional purpose of the ideas within the movement. However, in relation to this, I would like to contend that such an understanding of the movement, which necessitates the separation of the function and meaning, fails to comprehend the dichotomy of meaning and function thereby failing to consider the correlation of meaning and function. Such a failure, on the other hand, leads to the delineation of fundamentalism as form of ideology as opposed to a form of political philosophy. This is evident if one considers Marty and Appleby’s understanding of fundamentalism. According to Marty and Appleby, the general characteristic of fundamentalism presents the aforementioned movement as â€Å"reflecting upon the evocative and defining power of the sacred [in an attempt] to harness this power for†¦a variety of political, social and religious ends† (qtd in Henston 131). In this sense, fundamentalism may be understood as seeking to â€Å"reconsecrate the world† (Henston 131). In relation to this Heston claims that Marty and Appleby considers fundamentalism as offering a specific â€Å"reading of certain texts of the history [a particular] religion and peoples†¦hence fundamentalism appeals frequently†¦on sacred space that provides a concrete focus† (131). Such a depiction of fundamentalism with the emphasis on its religious character as well as its aim of reconsecration fails to consider that fundamentalism is characterized by the need for belonging or for security. Within Islam, it is generally assumed that the most common manifestation of fundamentalism can be seen in the position of the female within society’s hierarchy of power. Holsdon and Rozario note that â€Å"Islam is necessarily more patriarchal or more oppressive to women than other religions† (331). The reason for this can be traced to the status given to the female by a literal interpretation of the Qur’an and the Shari’a. Mohammad, himself, describes Islam as â€Å"a religion of right-doing, right-thinking, and right-speaking founded on divine love, universal charity, and the equality of man in the sight of the Lord† (qtd in Syed 157). A literal interpretation of this passage excludes the female from the treatment of equality. Moghissi states, Regardless of the interpretation of the Qur’an and the Shari’a, if the Qur’anic instructions are taken literally, Islamic individuals or societies cannot favor equal rights for women in the family or in certain areas of social life †¦ If the principles of the Shari’a are to be maintained †¦ women cannot enjoy equality before the law and in the law. (140–1) The two most prominent examples of these in Islam can be seen in the allowance of polygamy as well as the requirement that women should be concealed and secluded. One might note that such conditions may be considered as fostering inequality within Islam religions as it places the female in a subordinate position to the male however, it has also been argued that these do not necessarily lead to inequality within Islam. Agosin argues that such an assumption [that the conditions set within both the Qur’an and the Shari’a leads to female inequality] may be seen as a result of a patriarchal society’s misrepresentation of religion and culture (236). The function of this misrepresentation is to maintain women in a position that best serves patriarchal priorities. It is important to contextualize such a claim within the basic assumption of Islam’s religious philosophy. The teachings of Islam are concentrated on the notions of faith and duty. The term Islam itself is equivalent to the concept of submission in the English language. Islam may thereby be seen as the religion of submission wherein one submits to the will of Allah as it is stated in the Qur’an. The problem is thereby presented when one considers the contradictory accounts regarding the treatment of the female as it is presented in the aforementioned text. There are accounts which recognize the equality of both members of the sexes as well as accounts which places the female as a subordinate to the male. If such is the case, it cannot be argued that autonomy may not be granted to the female since a literal interpretation of the aforementioned texts allows instances of freedom on the side of the female. This, however, does not change the fact that Islam operates under the assumption of separate roles and spheres of activities for both men and women. As opposed to Islam, the practice of fundamentalism may be seen in Buddhist religions in different forms depending on the form of Buddhism practiced by a particular group. In the same way that Islam adheres to a certain form of separate-spheres ideology between men and women, Buddhism controls the female as a result of her dangerous sexuality which is considered as potentially dangerous to men. In order to deal with such a problem, marriages are arranged for women at a young age in order to ensure their chastity. According to the traditional doctrine, embraced in Theravada movements, every woman must bear three kinds of subordination. The first is â€Å"to her father when she is young, to her husband while she married, and to her son when she old† (qtd in Paul 53). Such a doctrine is enforced in reality is punished with certain sanctions. A woman who fails to conform to this approved role is stigmatized and devalued within society. The similarity between Islam and Buddhism fundamentalist movements can traced to the value that they place upon the female subject. This value however prevents the female’s attainment of autonomy as a result of her assumed natural subordination to the male. The effects of fundamentalism within these movements may thereby be seen as hindering and in fact enabling the subordination of the female. Works Cited Abu-Nimer, M. â€Å"A Framework for Non-violence and Peacebuilding in Islam. † Journal of Law and Religion 15. 2 (2001): 217-265. Agosin, Marjorie. Women, Gender, and Human Rights: A Global Perspective. London: Rutgers, 2001. Hilsdon, Anne and Santi Rozario. â€Å"Special Issue on Islam, Gender, and Human Rights. † Women’s Studies International Forum 29 (2006): 331-338. Henston, A. â€Å"Crusades and Jihads: A Long-Run Economic Perspective. † Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences 588 (2003): 112-135. Marty, M. â€Å"The Future of World Fundamentalism. † Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 142. 3 (1998): 367-77. Paul, Diane. Women in Buddhism: images of the Feminine in Mahayana Tradition. Syed, Ameer. The Spirit of Islam Or the Life and Teachings of Mohammad: Or the Life and Teachings of Mohammed. Np: Gorgias Press, 2002.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE ASSIGNMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE ASSIGNMENT - Essay Example This implies that regardless of whether or not the theory of anthropogenic global warming eventually finds a firm and strong support in the peered-reviewed journal, it cannot be denied that there is a consensus in a world scientific body on the anthropogenic root of global warming and its association with fossil fuels. The United Nations-created IPCC â€Å"states unequivocally that the consensus of scientific opinion is that the earth’s climate is being affected by human activities† and that â€Å"the observed global warming over the last 50 years is likely to have been due to the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations† (Oreskes, 2004, p. 1686, citing an IPCC document). Further, according to Oreskes (2004), â€Å"the IPCC is not alone in its conclusions† because â€Å"all major scientific bodies in the United States whose expertise bears directly on the matter have issued similar statements† (Oreskes, 2004, p. 1686). For example, Oreskes (2004, p . ... hropogenic and greenhouse gas-associated climate change to be an accurate reflection of the current thinking of the scientific community on the issue (Oreskes, 2005, p. 1686). According to Oreskes (2004, p. 1686), the American Meteorological Society, the American Geophysical Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have issued statements with a conclusion that â€Å"evidence for human modification of the climate is compelling.† Second, environmental activism is good because it is through environmental activism that we can adopt policies that promote good health and a better quality of life associated with clean air, clean seas and oceans, clean rivers, and clean terrestrials. For instance, Wong et al. (2004) examined the health benefits of reducing air pollution under the United States Clean Air Act and estimated that the decrease in morbidity and mortality among children would add at least US$600 billion to the $100 billion benefits through the reduced morbidity and mortality of adults. Third, environmental activism because it promotes intergenerational equity: development must not be at the expense of the future generations, we must meet the needs of our generation but not to disadvantage of future generations. For instance, Weiss (2008, pp. 615-616) noting that â€Å"the impacts from warming are predicted to be long-term, widespread and severe† has affirmed that â€Å"climate change is an inherently international problem with extremely serious implications for equity between ourselves and future generations and among communities in the present and future.† Thus, in summary environmental activism promotes humanity’s survival or comfort, good health and quality of life, and intergenerational equity. Position 2: Negative Response We can also cite three key

How life is influenced by science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How life is influenced by science - Essay Example Landis confessed of using other drugs but not testosterone in 2010. He was also found out to be guilty of illegal blood transfusion. Floyd was then stripped of his title as the world champion of 2006. Testosterone is a steroid hormone; it is the principle male sex hormone and anabolic hormone. This hormone plays a major role in the development of male reproductive tissues, bone mass and body growth . Its anabolic effects are growth of muscle mass and strength and the simulation of bone maturation and linear growth. Testosterone levels in the body should not exceed the normal level, this is the basis of the testosterone test (Webmed). This test tends to find out the reason for higher performance than usual especially to the athletes who are suspected to be using synthetic testosterone. This was the test performed on Floyd to confirm the allegations. At the end of the day we learn that science has a great potential of being used and at the same time revealing whether it is being misused or not. It is better if we make good use of scientific facts for the betterment of the sports but without taking the advantage of it to pretend to be what we are

Employment-At-Will Doctrine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Employment-At-Will Doctrine - Essay Example Given her educational background, it is already a behavioral and attitude issue more than learning issue. Also, given that she had a chance to perform and still did not even after months of training and support, it would be appropriate to talk to her about her performance (there might other factors why has learning issue such as personal problems) that if she does not improve, she may be asked to leave the company. After months of dismal performance even with training and support is already enough ground to terminate her employment â€Å"at will† unless otherwise stated or implied that she has contract with the company (Gibson et al., 2010). 2. The employee tends to burst into a rage when criticized and is frequently late to work as noticed by her boss and other staff members. When her boss attempts to address her behavioral issues and the company late policy, the employee’s response is that she â€Å"knows her rights and what to do† if she is wrongfully discharg ed. She also says she took a business law class in undergrad that taught her â€Å"everything she needs to know about exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine and wrongful discharge in violation of public policy†. ... There are only few categories in the exemptions of the employment of will that can be invoked which are discrimination, public policy exemptions, implied contractual relationship and Sabarnes Oxley Act (Radin and Werhane, 2003). Tardiness is both attitude and performance issue which does not fall into the exemptions of â€Å"employment of will† and is a valid ground for termination. 3. The employee takes a day off from work, without management consent, for her religious holiday observance that falls on a day that is during â€Å"tax season†. The day off occurred during an incredibly busy period for the company during which the employer had notified all employees they were not allowed to take off without prior management approval. Also, there is no labor union for accountants. However, she begins talking to her co-workers during lunch breaks and sometimes during regular work hours, encouraging them to organize and form a union to â€Å"protect ourselves†. Describe what steps you would take to address the following scenario involving policies and procedures: It may be tempting to â€Å"fire† the employee to get rid of the many problems she brings but that would not be a prudent course of action for the management. Firing her might be construed as a discrimination against her religion and an exemption for â€Å"employment at will† (Sennel, 2008). In addition, the company might also be accused of either discriminating against fair labor practice or might fall in the exception of Sabarnes Oxley Act as the action might be construed as retaliation for the employee’s intention to put up a union or report some perceived wrong doings. It is more advisable to write her up for the absence during the peak season and talk to her about her talk of organizing a union. Her immediate

Lean Management and Value Stream - An Example of BMW Essay

Lean Management and Value Stream - An Example of BMW - Essay Example Automobile firms are trying to keep up with the market changes and shifts in consumer behaviour by designing an adaptive manufacturing process. Based on this consideration, the research will focus on the utilization of lean manufacturing and value stream mapping in BMW. As defined by Vokurka (2006), value stream mapping is implemented for identifying the state of the current status of the operations process and conniving a better process for future operations of the company. Wilkinson and Dale (2007) noted that most of the firms often misdirect their value chain process by focusing on the rectifying the mistakes in the existing operational process which also affects the layout designed for future process. The manufacturing process of BMW is basically run on a centralized structure which allows the company to manage the functions in all its subsidiaries. The international business of BMW is receiving its supply from only manufacturing units established all over the world (BMW, 2014). The manufacturing process of BMW is co-ordinated with by creating a holistic approach in all the manufacturing units of the business. BMW maintains their manufacturing process by creating demands for their luxury products and reducing the supply of the products (BMW, 2014). The growth of their product line has however now transformed from a luxury brand and has expanded their consumer base from niche market to the mass market also. However, Ballou (2007) criticised that often organizations tend to lose potential market space and consumer base by reducing their supply which hampers the brand availability of the firm. The manufacturing process of BMW mainly is formed on the basis of innovation in production, designing, and presentation of their products to the mass market. The process of production can be better explained by observing their Value Stream Mapping.

Rewrite Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rewrite - Essay Example With respect to this particular project, datasets from five hospitals within the nation of the United Arab Emirates will be analyzed. The information which was ultimately collected, tabulated, and analyzed related to the records of diabetic patients. Accordingly, the next step of the research was to evaluate a host of different data mining methods which could be of use with regards to understanding the overall pattern of the given datasets. As a final step, the project is intended to extract a level of useful inference with regards to the medical knowledge to include rules and /or patterns and seek to include them in an overall research that could ultimately be published as a means of showing how data mining techniques have the potential to lead to knowledge discovery and generation. As a function of performing these experiments, WEKA was utilized. As a function of using WEKA to draw a level of inference upon the medical data, it was able to determine and populate a lot of missing va lues by treating these values as separate attributes and encoding them appropriately. The end result of such an analysis has revealed a high number of hidden patterns that could not be elaborated upon with the use of normal analysis. As a function of all of this level of analysis, the end consequence can and should be to have a high level of improvement upon the potential for medical resolutions to both extant as well as unknown issues. Acknowledgement This particular project has only been able to be completed due to the tireless help and assistance of a wide variety of different individuals. I would like to take this particular opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the differing levels of assistance they have provided. 1.1 Supervisor Motivation When I had first begun to consider the long list of projects that were available, I had at first thought that as a software engineering specialist, it would be best to work on seeking to develop a java interface or a particular web-browsing application. However, once I considered this to a further degree, I began to realize that there was a more definitive need within the current and existing knowledge base that is represented within the Medical Data Mining arena. Due to the fact that I had long considered the techniques that could help to integrate a greater level of understanding of hidden patterns within databases, I opted for this route. Dr. M. Saraee was extraordinarily useful and helpful in seeking to motivate and direct y project as well as research into this particular field. As a function of his encouragement, this project has been able not only to improve upon my research skills but also provide a valuable and measurable impact on the prospects of future work that I might be able to engage upon. 1.1.2 Personal Motivation Over the past several years, while studying for a degree in Software Engineering, I was introduced to a few of the concept of document analysis and pattern recognition. As a res ult of this, one of the main motivations that I developed was to accrue a deep and complete understanding of data mining and pattern recog

Executive Compensation in the US is out of control. Salaries for most Essay

Executive Compensation in the US is out of control. Salaries for most CEOs are way too high in comparison to front line wage ear - Essay Example Analysis and Evaluation of the issues Survey on the salaries of the CEOs have shown that the discrepancy in the salary have been growing very rapidly. During the 1980s the remuneration of the top executives was almost 42 times of that of the hourly workers’ pay. This had increased to 85 times by the next decade. With the inception of the new millennium the salary differential raised up to 531 times the salary of the junior most executive in the corporation. The Congress has passed a law in the post financial crisis period that made it mandatory for the CEOs and the top executives to disclose their salaries (Smith 1). The compensation that the CEOs were in different forms like salary, perks, bonus, pension accrued over the years and stock options. This compensation ratio of the CEO to the average workers varied across sector. It has been observed that the difference was greatest in the corporations that provided financial services, followed by the companies that produced consum er products. The ratio was comparatively less in the materials, technology and healthcare sector respectively. According to the eminent management thinker Peter Drucker, this ratio should range between 25:1 and 20:1. However the opinion that Drucker posited till as late as 2005, is not followed in the employment market in the United States or any of the multinational corporations that operate in different parts of the world. This kind of differences has led to a growth in the inequality in the distribution of income. While the growth of the wages of the top 1% of the executives have been 361 percent the wages of the employees that belong to the lower hierarchies have grown only by 34 percent over a period of almost three decades. This has a direct effect on the amount of revenue that the US government has collected from the top executives in form of taxes. As a result the income gap of the households has also increased (Mishel 4). Various issues relating to this have also come up in this regard. Only those households which had a top executive of a company as their family member had incomes that were extremely high. This was especially true for the executives who worked in the financial sector. Another surprising fact was that the rate is which the stock markets have grown over the years was less than that of the growth of the salaries of the CEOs. Research has shown that the stock options that the CEOs are offered account for this discrepancy in the wages. Warren Buffet is another supporter of this view. He insisted that the pay the top executives do not justify the work that they perform. He also feels that the CEOs have selfish intensions when they formulate policies in the organization rather than thinking about the benefit of the investors and the health of the company (Buffet 16). According to him a CEO can fulfill his selfish needs by paying fewer dividends to the shareholders and steering the retained funds into projects that may not turn out to be frui tful. Reactions I support the opinion expressed by the authors discussed above and the results of the various studied that have been conducted on this issue. The US financial crisis that had made a lot of families bankrupt was caused due to the extreme greed of the top executives. This greed had forced them to get into deals that were either very vulnerable or

Discussion 9.1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion 9.1 - Essay Example As a leader, I will use these ideas to shape my personal leadership style in two main ways. First, there is need to encourage information sharing and individual input from all members or employees. It is only through this that I can understand what each individual has to offer, and their unique ideas. Secondly, I will ensure that anyone who requires training or mentoring is provided with such opportunities in order to allow them grow and mature into a better person. I believe that through such actions, I will inspire others to dream and learn more, as captured in the quote by Johnson Quincy Adams (Josephson, 2012). The quote by Bill Gates really spoke to me. Here, Bill Gates is suggesting that future leaders must be prepared to empower others. This quote challenges me to view the authority and power given to me not as a tool to control others but one that can be used to empower them. This means that effective use of that authority and power will be based on how I have helped people develop into better persons. This requires focusing on each individual person and trying to understand their needs and

Advocating anti-genocide movement in Darfur Essay Example for Free

Advocating anti-genocide movement in Darfur Essay The United Nations defines genocide as â€Å"acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. † In Darfur the Arab janjaweed militias have killed an estimated 100,000 non- Arab people, burned their villages, and sought to destroy their way of life. On September 9, 2004 U. S. Secretary of State Collin Powell told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that â€Å"genocide has been committed in Darfur and that the Government of Sudan and the [janjaweed] bear responsibility – and that genocide may still be occurring. (DiPiazza) People sometimes get the wrong idea of what genocide means. It is assumed that it is a hopeless case, impossible to stop for it is driven by millenniums of racial or ethnic conflicts. But looking back at history, genocide has mostly been created through calculated, intended decision by national leaders used as the most convenient way to solve a problem or to keep their power and destroy a person or group. And Darfur is not an exception to this. Mr. Bashir and Musa Hilal are not motivated by ancient hatred but of greed to power and influence. They are not extremists but rather coldblooded, amoral opportunists (Kristof). Drought, famine and civil war represent the interactive array of ecological, socio-economic, and political factors at play. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) were created from 2003 through 2005 (Arsdale). Competition over scarce resources – such as water and fertile land – had long challenged Darfur. The beginning of an oil industry in Durfur added to the tension. Claiming to represent non-Arab Africans in Darfur, rebel protested decades of government neglect. They demanded full economic, political, and social rights for Darfur. They also wanted oil wealth from the region to be shared equally. To combat the rebels, the government armed local Arab militias called janjaweeds. The Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) arose in response to grievances bring expressed by citizens of Darfur. The SLA’s founding manifesto included its vehement protests against the central government’s â€Å"policies of marginalization, racial discrimination, exclusion, exploitation, and divisiveness. The Janjaweeds, on the other hand, traced their origin with raiders and bandits of various types in Sudan for centuries. In recent decades, so-called Arab cattle raiders occasionally would sweep into a non-Arab village and abscond with a few head (Arsdale). Since 2003, the government of Sudan and its Janjaweed militias has executed a systematic campaign of mass murder, rape, and starvation against the black African tribes of Darfur. As of today, more than 500,000 Darfuris have died, and more than 2. 5 million have been driven from their homes. It goes without saying that other measures have to be undertaken simultaneously to reach a sustainable peace in Darfur. So, the international community should strongly support the Abuja talks between the Sudan government and the main insurgent groups to help them reach a peace agreement, which could be a foundation for equity and good governance in Darfur. And since the negotiation of a lasting peace in Darfur unfortunately could take months, if not years, humanitarian assistance should be provided. Democracy is a first step in the struggle against totalitarian forces that resort to inhuman practices to impose their whim on others, including ethnocide and genocide (Hoeven et al. ). It is important to create the conditions of security that will allow for a safe and voluntary return. A political solution reached in the Abuja talks is a priority to help bring peace to the region. At the same time, there is a strong sense in Darfur that an inclusive, credible and grass roots process of inter-communal dialogue is needed to re-establish peaceful inter-communal relations and re-weave the social fabric of the region. Specific measures to address property and land usage rights will be indispensable to achieve peace and restore relationships between nomadic herders and sedentary agriculturalist tribes (Hoeven et al. ). The African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) evolved as the African Union has authorized the incremental deployment of thousands of personnel to carry out its responsibilities in Darfur. The African Union Peace and Security Council provided AMIS II with the following specific mandate for its peace support efforts: (1) to monitor and observe compliance with the 2004 humanitarian cease-fire agreement; (2) to assist in the process of confidence building; and (3) to contribute to a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian relief and, beyond that, the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes, and to contribute to the improvement of the security situation throughout Darfur (Darfur Crisis: Progress in Aid Peace Monitoring Threatened by Ongoing Violence and Operational Challenges). President Bush had made his statement regarding the issue at the Diplomatic Reception Room, White Palace: Americas commitment is clear. Since this conflict began we have provided more than $1. 7 billion in humanitarian and peacekeeping assistance for Darfur. We are the worlds largest single donor to the people of Darfur. Were working for the day when the families of this troubled region are allowed to return safely to their homes and rebuild their lives in peace. The people of Darfur are crying out for help, and they deserve it. I urge the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, and all members of the international community to reject any efforts to obstruct implementation of the agreements that would bring peace to Darfur and Sudan. I call on President Bashir to stop his obstruction, and to allow the peacekeepers in, and to end the campaign of violence that continues to target innocent men, women and children. And I promise this to the people of Darfur: The United States will not avert our eyes from a crisis that challenges the conscience of the world (Bush). Today, there are a lot of anti-genocide movements, recruiting thousands of people around the world advocating justice and human rights for the casualties and victims of this national turmoil. Politicians, Hollywood stars and even fellow citizens have been voicing out their concern and extending their help over the matter. Works Cited Arsdale, Peter W. Van. Forced to Flee: Human Rights and Human Wrongs in Refugee Homelands. Lexington Books, 2006. Bush, President George. President Bush Discusses Genocide in Darfur, Implements Sanctions 29 May 2007 The White House. 2 December 2007. http://www. whitehouse. gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070529. html Darfur Crisis: Progress in Aid Peace Monitoring Threatened by Ongoing Violence and Operational Challenges. Ed. United States Government Accountability Office: DIANE Publishing, 2006. DiPiazza, Francesca Davis. Sudan in Pictures. Twenty-First Century Books, 2006. Hoeven, Agnes van Ardenne-van der, et al. Explaining Darfur: Four Lectures on the Ongoing Genocide. Amsterdam University Press, 2006. Kristof, Nick. Darfur: Driving up the Price of Blood. Coalition for Darfur, 2007.

Nick Carraway Essay Example for Free

Nick Carraway Essay Nick Carraway, the narrator and important character in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is deeply characterized through what he says, thinks, and is seen as by others. Many different perspectives of Nick are evident throughout the novel. He is judged and characterized by himself, his friends, and other strangers that he meets in the novel. Fitzgerald uses more dialogue to characterize Nick than other mediums. In the beginning of the book, on the first page, Nick himself declares that he is the narrator of the book. He states that he is â€Å"inclined to reserve all judgements† (Fitzgerald 1) because he has had many advantages which the average person would not have had. This is the first bit of character that we see developed in Nick’s character. He is not quick to judge people simply because he knows that if he was, he would be trying to understand a life which has not been a part of him. It could also mean that Nick is conscious of what other people tell him, because his father told him â€Å"Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world havent had the advantages that youve had† (Fitzgerald 1). Clearly, Nick is an observant person based on the fact that the novel is narrated in such great detail by him. â€Å"Every friday five crates of lemons and oranges arrived from a fruiterer in New Yorkevery Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulpless halves† (Fitzgerald 39). Nick is super observant, as observations just as detailed as that are told on most every page in the novel. Nick is not always as forgiving and understanding as he claims in the beginning of the novel, however. There are times, although only a few, when Nick is judgemental towards others. One quote stands out as a popular, recognizable line that Nick says on page 160. â€Å"‘Theyre a rotten crowd,’ I shouted across the lawn. ‘Youre worth the whole damn bunch put together’† (Fitzgerald 160). This quote is an indirect insult and criticism toward the neighbors and residents who attended a party at Gatsby’s house. He shouts this to Gatsby after talking about Gatsby’s past and how he ended up where he is now. Nick can be characterized in that quote as being either extremely appreciative of Gatsby or being extremely judgemental of the crowd at the party. Likely both, Nick is going against what he said about himself in the beginning of the novel, which also says that he sometimes makes false statements. Fitzgerald also uses physical descriptions to characterize Nick. â€Å"Dressed up in white flannels I went over to his lawn† (Fitzgerald 41). Although not much is described, only his clothes that night, we can still see character development within that description. The fact that he’s wearing simple, white flannels, although fancy and expensive, are also very neutral and humble. Even though West Egg is considered to be â€Å"New Money†, Nick is more observant and in the background. It seems as though he would rather watch something than be watched by something. He could have worn flagrant colors and flaunted himself, but he chose to do the opposite. Another somewhat physical description of Nick is that he’s not a city-born character. He was born in Minnesota, not New York, and because of this, it could be implied that he grew up in a simpler place, where it did not matter what you wore or looked like. This can be considered while characterizing Nick’s physical traits. Fitzgerald exemplifies Nick’s characteristics in multiple ways throughout the novel. The evidence Fitzgerald provides for the reader is clearly given and shows how Nick is not always what he wishes he could be from a personality standpoint. What Fitzgerald did to show the different sides of Nick’s character is a major reason he is considered among the top American novelists; and The Great Gatsby is by far his best work.

Effects of Stigma on Schizophrenia Patients

Effects of Stigma on Schizophrenia Patients Stigma and empathy subjected to schizophrenic patients with different levels of symptoms The stigma of mental instability is entrenched as an issue in the society, especially when it refers to schizophrenia, which stands out amongst the most very derided mental issue, not just on the grounds of the conceivably unending and incapacitating course of the ailment but likewise because of an assortment of negative generalizations connected with its analysis. Stigmatization refers to a socially constructed label which includes issues of awareness (obliviousness or misleading information), demeanor (bias), and conduct (discrimination). Populace reviews demonstrate that in spite of expanded attention to the characteristics of schizophrenia and despite the numerous deliberations to lessening stigma, criticizing mentality are still pervasive among the overall population, understudies, specialists, and even administration clients themselves whereby issue conditions are ranged including beliefs of violent and chaotic conduct, and a powerlessness to maintain business or take up respon sibilities. Being perceived as a matter of extraordinary significance, stigma, may slant persons in the overall population to look for social separation from those with schizophrenia. The harmful results of stigma may be significantly more extreme than the troubles emerging from the symptoms of the sickness itself. Moreover, stigma is linked to symptom severity which is the seriousness of deductive changes in physical, psychological, and social performance. Ertugrul and UlugËËÅ"(2004) carried out research which concluded among 60schizophrenia patients, that victims of stigmatization had undergone more severe symptoms and were significantly more disabled than the patients who were not stigmatized. Studies utilizing different strategies propose that stigma may be interfaced to more serious psychopathological symptoms and more awful psychosocial working. Rabkin’s research in 1974, informs that open state of mind towards individuals named rationally sick are influenced by qualities of the treatment circumstance, for example, e. g. site, system or recurrence. More incessant contacts with the mental health awareness framework and more meddlesome routines for treatment typically evoke more negative societal disposition. Henceforth, more elevated amounts of demonization were noted in patien ts right now under doctors supervision and in the individuals who had more past hospitalizations (particularly those with more successive automatic affirmations). Patients with more serious medication reactions were likely to face more stigmatization. Besides, patients with a prior disease onset and those with a more drawn out span of disease may be naturally anticipated that will have been more presented to social dismissal. To enhance mentality towards this criticized schizophrenia group, stereotype-conflicting data and intergroup contact are not enough. This is the place empathy appears to merit more consideration than it has gotten currently. Inducing empathy for a part of a trashed gathering prompts more positive sentiments and consideration toward the gathering. As an issue demonstrated in books, films and documentaries, it is generally simple to impel empathy for a part of a slandered gathering requiring little to no effort and satisfactory circumstance. One can be led to feel empathy for the group simply by sitting comfortably at home. Compassion actuating encounters can be controlled to guarantee that they are certain much more promptly than can live, face-to-face, immediate contact. Empathy might straightforwardly address the focal feeling and assessment parts of the disposition as opposed to depending on surmising from information. empathy has been found to expand esteeming the welfare of the i ndividual for whom compassion is felt and, moreover, this esteeming has been found to persevere through much after the need and resultant empathic sentiments are gone (Batson, Turk, Shaw, Klein, 1995). Moreover, this expanded esteeming sums up to the gathering of which the individual is a part, it may prompt more uplifting disposition. A study by Batson et al. (1991), aimed to investigate how empathy might improve attitudes towards a stigmatized group. However, it had limitations as empathy was restricted to a certain individual and not to the stigmatized group as a whole and within the stigmatized group were found many subgroups such as homosexuals, women, drug addicts, children. Feeling empathy for the children might only be beneficial to that particular subgroup but not to the group as a whole. Moreover, victim responsibility comes into play where the member of the stigmatized group is responsible for his own condition. One may likewise create an opposing reaction to separation from the defamed gathering bringing about diminished empathic emotions and even disparagement or faulting the victimized person. Furthermore, Dinos et al. (2004) reveal that 1 among 3 patients having schizophrenia suffer from anxiety disorder as a result of being stigmatized. Evidence has also proven that schizophrenia stigma leads to a h igher possibility of alcohol and drug intake. Original work by Goffman (1963) and Scheff (1966) slandering process that may take after from being recognized as having a dysfunctional behavior, and various exploration studies have endeavored to exhibit the unfavorable impacts of maladjustment marking. Nunnally (1961), investigated sample of the population by self-reports asking their point of view on mental illness. Cohen and Struening (1962); Taylor and Dear (1981); Yankelovich (1990); Beldon and Russonello (1996) carried a more precise research presenting particular articulations about emotional instability also asked respondents where they remained regarding those announcements. These studies uncovered strikingly negative state of mind to emotional sickness. However, recent studies such as the Parade Magazine survey (1993) demonstrated more positive attitudes where schizophrenic patients were being cared for (Whatley, Philips, Neff and Husaini, Purvis et al., Riskind and Wahl). An germeyer, Matschinger and Corrigans research (2004) has shown that, with developing commonality, the propensity towards considering the ill individual to be unsafe and eccentric was diminishing, and individuals had less fear and social separation was wanted less as often as possible. Different studies by Anagnostopoulos Hantzi (2011), Couture Penn (2003), Phelan Link (2004) have likewise exhibited positive connections between past contact and inspirational demeanor, less fancied social separation and a lessening in stereotypes. This research is being carried out to test the hypotheses formulated. Therefore, taking the previous findings into consideration, it is noticeable that empathy is directly linked to stigma. The expected results are that:as empathy increases, stigma decreases and when stigma levels are high, schizophrenic patients are subjected to a very low level of empathy. Furthermore, a second hypothesis formulated is that as symptoms of the disease become more severe, more stigma is attached to the ill individual as compared to an individual with mild symptoms, which is subjected to much less stigma. The importance of this research is to reduce stigma among schizophrenic patients for them to be more effectively cured, without their treatment being hindered by stereotypes of the society. Reference List: Wahl, O. F. (1999). Mental Health Consumers Experience of Stigma. Schizophrenia Bulletin, Vol. 25, No. 3. Retrieved from  http://schizophreniabulletin. oxfordjournals. org. ezproxy. mdx. ac. uk/content/25/3/467. full. pdf+html Zelst, C. (2009). Stigmatization as an Environmental Risk in Schizophrenia: A User Perspective. Schizophrenia Bulletin, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 293–296. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC2659317/?tool=pmcentrez Sibitz, I., Unger, A., Woppmann, A., Zidek, T., Amering, M. (2011). Stigma Resistance in Patients With Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 316–323. Retrieved from http://schizophreniabulletin. oxfordjournals. org/content/37/2/316. full. pdf+html Karidi, M. V., Stefanis, C. N., Theleritis, C., Tzedaki, M., Rabavilas, A. D., Stefanis, N. C. (2010). Perceived social stigma, self-concept, and self-stigmatization of patient  with schizophrenia. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 51, 19-30. Retrieved from http://www. sciencedirect. com. ezproxy. mdx. ac. uk/science/article/pii/S0010440X09000029 Benov, E. et al. (2013). Stigma of Schizophrenia: Assessing Attitudes among European University Students. Journal of european psychology students, 40-48. Retrieved from http://jeps. efpsa. org/article/view/jeps. bj Switaj, P., Wcià ³rka, J., Smolarska-S witaj, J., Grygiel, P. (2009) Extent and predictors of stigma experienced by patients with schizophrenia. European Psychiatry, 24, 513–520. Retrieved from  http://www. sciencedirect. com. ezproxy. mdx. ac. uk/science/article/pii/S0924933809001230 Thornicroft, G., Brohan, E., Diana, R., Sartorius, N., Leese, M. (2009). Global pattern of experienced and anticipated discrimination against people with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional survey. Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, UK. Retrieved from http://www. serpsy. org/actua_09/Lancet_2009_global-pattern-experience. pdf Lysaker, P. H., Davis, L. W., Warman, D. M., Strasburger, A., Beattie, N. (2007). Stigma, social function and symptoms in schizophrenia and  schizoaffective disorder: Associations across 6 months. Psychiatry Research, 149, 89–95. Retrieved from http://www. sciencedirect. com. ezproxy. mdx. ac. uk/science/article/pii/S0165178106000795 Ando, S., Clement, S., Barley, E. A., Thornicroft, G. (2011). The simulation of hallucinations to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia:A systematic review. Schizophrenia Research, 133, 8–16. Retrieved from http://rt5vx6na7p. search. serialssolutions. com/?ctx_ver=Z39. 88-2004ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8rfr_id=info:sid/summon. serialssolutions. comrft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journalrft. genre=articlerft. atitle=The+simulation+of+hallucinations+to+reduce+the+stigma+of+schizophrenia%3A+A+systematic+reviewrft. jtitle=Schizophrenia+Researchrft. au=Ando%2C+Shuntarorft. au=Clement%2C+Sarahrft. au=Barley%2C+Elizabeth+Alexandrarft. au=Thornicroft%2C+Grahamrft. date=2011-12-01rft. pub=Elsevier+B. Vrft. issn=0920-9964rft. eissn=1573-2509rft. volume=133rft. issue=1-3rft. spage=8rft. externalDBID=n%2Farft. externalDocID=273483289paramdict=en-US Hill, K., Startup, M. (2013). The relationship between internalized stigma, negative symptoms and social functioning in schizophrenia: The mediating role of self-efficacy. Psychiatry Research, 206, 151–157. Retrieved from http://rt5vx6na7p. search. serialssolutions. com/?ctx_ver=Z39. 88-2004ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8rfr_id=info:sid/summon. serialssolutions. comrft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journalrft. genre=articlerft. atitle=The+relationship+between+internalized+stigma%2C+negative+symptoms+and+social+functioning+in+schizophrenia%3A+The+mediating+role+of+self-efficacyrft. jtitle=Psychiatry+Researchrft. au=Hill%2C+Kimberleyrft. au=Startup%2C+Mikerft. date=2013-04-30rft. pub=Elsevier+B. Vrft. issn=0165-1781rft. eissn=1872-7123rft. volume=206rft. issue=2-3rft. spage=151rft. externalDBID=n%2Farft. externalDocID=340105116paramdict=en-US Lv, Y., Wolf, A., Wang, X. (2013). Experienced stigma and self-stigma in Chinese patients with schizophrenia. General Hospital Psychiatry, 35, 83–88. Retrieved from http://rt5vx6na7p. search. serialssolutions. com/?ctx_ver=Z39. 88-2004ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8rfr_id=info:sid/summon. serialssolutions. comrft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journalrft. genre=articlerft. atitle=Experienced+stigma+and+self-stigma+in+Chinese+patients+with+schizophreniarft. jtitle=General+hospital+psychiatryrft. au=Lv%2C+Yingrft. au=Wolf%2C+Achimrft. au=Wang%2C+Xiaopingrft. date=2013-01-01rft. eissn=1873-7714rft. volume=35rft. issue=1rft. spage=83rft_id=info:pmid/22925273rft. externalDocID=22925273paramdict=en-US Batson et al. (1997). Empathy and Attitudes : Can feeling for a member of a stigmatized group improve feelings towards the group? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 72, No. 1, 105-118. Retrieved from http://rt5vx6na7p. search. serialssolutions. com/?ctx_ver=Z39. 88-2004ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8rfr_id=info:sid/summon. serialssolutions. comrft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journalrft. genre=articlerft. atitle=Empathy+and+attitudes%3A+Can+feeling+for+a+member+of+a+stigmatized+group+improve+feelings+toward+the+group%3Frft. jtitle=Journal+of+Personality+and+Social+Psychologyrft. au=Batson%2C+C. +Danielrft. au=Polycarpou%2C+Marina+Prft. au=Harmon-Jones%2C+Eddierft. au=Imhoff%2C+Heidi+Jrft. date=1997rft. issn=0022-3514rft. eissn=1939-1315rft. volume=72rft. issue=1rft. spage=105rft. epage=118rft. externalDBID=n%2Farft. externalDocID=10_1037__0022_3514_72_1_105paramdict=en-US

Buddhism and Suicide :: essays research papers fc

Thesis: Bibliography on Buddhist Ethics http://jbe.gold.ac.uk/7/harvey001.html#suicide Incoporate western philoosophy? Western ethics? First part- Bacvkground on Buddhist doctrine concerning suicide 1. No Buddhist Should Commit Suicide The Milindapanha 98. from the Vinaya Pitaka section on the Order. Warren, Henry Clarke. Buddhism in Translations. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Ltd. (1995). King Nagasena explains why a buddhist (priest) may not kill himself. He claims that the world needs Buddhists to spread understanding and enlightenment (Boddhisatva way). 2. Breaking the third paaraajika (Moral Precept) on Taking Life especially in human form (manussaviggaha) is the most serious offense that a Buddhist monk may commit (although just as serious in the Pa~ncasiila or Five Precepts for laymen). Results in expulsion from the monastic community. In his Samantapaasaadikaa commentary, Buddhaghosa sets out to clarify the legal provisions of the precept. He discusses a variety of cases, real and hypothetical, where death ensues, and endeavors to clarify the legal requirements for a breach of the precept to have taken place. The central legal concepts involved in Buddhaghosa's discussion are those of method, intention, and agency. The sources themselves make a distinction between pa.n.natti-vajja -- or what is prohibited by the Vinaya (for example, eating after midday) -- and what is lokavajja, or regarded as immoral by the world at large outside the cloister (for example, killing, stealing, and lying). Keown, Damien. â€Å"Attitudes to Euthanasia in the Vinaya and Commentary.† Journal of Buddhist Ethics. http://jbe.gold.ac.uk/6/keown993.htm Suicide and Assisted Suicide, incitement of suicide are all condememned by Buddha in the Vinaya. Apart from respect for autonomy, a second consideration sometimes advanced in support of euthanasia is compassion. Compassion is of great importance in Buddhism, particularly when linked to the notion of the bodhisattva. Some later sources reveal an increasing awareness of how a commitment to the alleviation of suffering on the part of a bodhisattva can create a conflict with the principle of the inviolability of life. Compassion, for example, might lead one to take life in order to alleviate suffering, and indeed this is the second main ground on which euthanasia is advocated today. Despite their benevolent motive, namely that a terminal patient should be spared unnecessary pain, the judgement was that those involved were guilty of a breach of the precept. According to Buddhaghosa, the essence of their wrongdoing was that the guilty monks made death their aim (mara.naatthika). This suggests that to make death one's aim, to will death, and a fortiori to embark on any course with death as one's purpose, goal or outcome, regardless of how benevolent the motive, is immoral from a Buddhist perspective.

The Light In the Forest Essay -- essays research papers

It is the fall of 1764, and the relations between white settlers of western Pennsylvania and Indians of the Ohio area are strained. Nevertheless, the ambitious white Colonel Bouquet and his troop of 1,500 men march into Indian country and demand the return of whites who have been kidnapped by the Delaware Indians. True Son, a fifteen-year-old white boy who has been raised by Indians since the age of four, is one of the white prisoners who is going to be returned. True Son loves his Indian way of life and considers himself to be Indian; he has been raised to view whites as enemies and cannot imagine living with them. But although the Indians love their adopted white relatives, they agree to give them back so that they will be able to keep their land. True Son's stoic Indian father, Cuyloga, whom he idolizes, forces his stubborn and resistant son to leave with the white soldiers. On the trip to Pennsylvania, True Son is placed under the care of Del, a strong white frontiersman who understands the Delaware, or Lenni Lenapi, language since he grew up near Indians. During the march, True Son is very depressed and considers committing suicide by eating the root of a May apple. Del prevents him from doing so and eventually True Son gives up the idea when his Indian cousin, Half Arrow, meets up with the party and walks along with True Son and their friend, Little Crane, whose wife is also among the white captives. The three laugh together and speak of the strange ways of white peopl...

The Neglect Of The Native American Indian :: essays research papers

Nearly every Native American Indian tribe has experienced some kind of neglect or discrimination. The white man has forcefully moved tribes from their homes, broken treaties that were promised to them, and senselessly slaughtered thousands of innocent Indian men, women, and children. This kind of neglect is what led to the Battle of Little Bighorn Creek, a battle that is talked about in The Great Plains, the book I chose my topic from. The reason this subject touched me personally is because almost everyone who presently lives on the Great Plains has a certain percentage Indian blood running through their veins, including myself. The neglect of the Native American Indian in America has been a problem for generations, but it is a part of our history as Americans and therefore worth studying. Although everyone should be involved in finding out more about this subject, historians and the ancestors of Indians who have been neglected have a tendency to be the more interested than others. Historians, like Edward Sherrif Curtis, the writer of "The North American Indian", are aroused by the mysterious past of the Indians. Their curiosity is what drives them to devote their entire lives to find out more about this historic past time. Curtis, for example, devoted more than thirty years of his life, following, living with, and taking more than forty thousand pictures of eighty different Indian tribes (Curtis, par.1). Another well-known seekers of Indian information are the Indians themselves. Their drive comes from keeping their heritage alive and giving justice to their ancestors who were mistreated by the senselessness of the white man. One of their goals is to share the wealth of information that has been passed down from their elders, to help us better understa nd their way of life. During my research on this topic, I found that there is a vast amount of information out there, and it can be found almost anywhere. The Internet is where I began my search. Websites that talk about the history of the Indians like, Eyewitness: History through the eyes who lived it, Tour of the Florida Territory during the Seminole (Florida) Wars, 1792-1859, and Bitterroot National Forest of Western Montana were very useful tools for writing this paper. They talked about the hardships of the Indians, the wars they were in, how those wars were started, and how the tribes in those wars have been mistreated.

Strategic Management: Strategic Directions Folloed by Virgin Atlantic

Contents 1)Executive Summary 2)Introduction of Company 3)External Environment 4)Company Financial Performance 5)Competitive Strategy 6)Strategic Direction of Development 7)Methods of Development 8)Conclusions and Recommendations 9)Resources 10)Appendices 1)Executive Summary This report aims to evaluate the current strategic directions followed by Virgin Atlantic. Initially we discuss the organisation’s mission statement and identify how the vision of the company is reflected though the strategic objectives. It is established at CSR plays an important role one Virgin Atlantic as it is seen to have principles and high standards on acceptable behaviour, BBC News (2009). External factors are evaluated using a PESTLE analysis and it is made clear that the Airline Industy as a whole is suffering financially in the economic turndown. With the well publicised fear of global warming and the level of emissions airlines are giving off is resulting in the government putting pressure on Virgin Atlantic and others to find ways of reducing their C02 output by increasing fuel costs, Virgin Atlantic (2009). Social trends are examined to determine the appeal of air travel and why consumers continue to fly with luxury airlines like Virgin Atlantic over smaller no frills airlines. The financial performance of Virgin Atlantic is analysed over a 5 year period looking at key ratios to determine the sales and profitability of the organisation. These results are compared to British Airways financial figures as well as Ryanair’s to get a better understanding of how financially secure Virgin Airline is financially in comparison to its competitors. An analysis is then conducted of the organisations competitive strategy which identifies, using Porters 5 Forces, that Virgin Atlantic fall under ‘differentiation focus strategy’ as they offer premium priced products for a high quality service. Results from Ansoff’s growth vector determine the strategic direction of the Airlines development. The airline’s growth remains competitive through demand in existing markets with existing products as well as newly developed ones. The methods of development are identified as code-sharing agreements between different airlines, allowing them to make use of each other’s resources at minimum costs. It was concluded that, due to the success of Virgin Atlantic’s current 3 year strategic direction, the airline should extend this strategy. Other strategic concepts where recommended regarding the fight for climate change and they way in which the airline positions itself through branding. 2)Introduction to Company Virgin Atlantic was launched by founder Richard Branson on the 22nd June 1984 Virgin Airline (2009). . 1. The vision of the airline was to offer high quality services combined with good value for money. Working in Music industry for many years Branson himself knew little about the aviation industry therefore he used the advice of his partner, Freddie Fields to manage the venture along with his technical manager Roy Gardner Management Today (1998). As a result of working in the Music Industry Bra nson was all too familiar with celebrity obsessed culture and thus he packed the first flight was between London and Newark Liberty with some well known celebrities. Virgin Atlantic credit the use of the famous faces seen travelling on the inaugural fight as one of the factors of success in launching the airline, Virgin Atlantic (2009). 2. 2. Virgin Atlantic employs a three year strategy which thus far has proved successful. The success has been down to their sound business model which is defined by their Mission Statement: â€Å"To Grow a profitable airline, where people love to fly and people love to work. † Virgin Atlantic (2009) Low cost airlines offer a typically narrow service where as Virgin Atlantic, through their code-sharing agreements; position themselves as offering a broad range of exotic destinations for people who are willing to pay premium prices. This business model has the key understanding that the way in which the product is positioned and the experience provided travelling by virgin Atlantic, will ensure customers will travel again and again thus allowing them to achieve their long-term strategic objectives of increasing profits and shareholder values. 2. One of the key factors in the business model is ‘how’ Virgin Atlantic provide a unique flying experience, virgin maintain this positive feeling with the friendly flight attendants and the positive attitudes they show customers. The airline ensures the happiness of staff with fair wage, discounts on fairs as well as loyalty schemes. The most public display of loyalty towards staff was in 2009 when Virgin Atlantic employees were given 2 free flights to any of the airlines destinations as part of the 25th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic Daily Mail (2009). This generosity towards the staff has the same principles applied by its airline services, the idea of luxury onboard the aircrafts and the knowledge that you will be taken care of. 2. 4. Thomson and Martin (2005) believe that customers play a key part in an organisations business model as they are ones who the services are specifically tailored to. In the 80’s when Virgin Atlantic’s vision was launched, the glamour of air travel had distinguished and air travel was seen as an expensive means of getting from a to b. People had forgotten what air travel was all about, and the ideal of jet setting across the world in luxury was seen available only to those who where famous. The vision introduced encouraged people to pay more but have better value for money and made the whole air travel experience pleasurable. Virgins Growth is testimite to how effective the initial vision of the company was and shows that their mission today is exactly what customers are looking for in a service provider. 2. 5. Corporate Social Responsibility also takes a key stance in Virgin Atlantic’s business model. The company’s strong stance in responsible business is heavily publicised by the media, especially when it comes to environmental factors. Richard Branson has publicly pledged to invest profits of his travel organisations into the research and development of alternative fuel and renewable energy Mallen Baker (2006). â€Å"Virgin Atlantic is committed to reducing our environmental impacts where we can by becoming a more efficient business, leading the industry to practical and technical solutions and engaging, inspiring and empowering our staff and customers to help us meet this challenge† Virgin Atlantic (2009). . 6. The airline was also the first of its kind to trial an alternative fuel which was created from a combination of coconuts and Brazilian Babassu nuts, BBC News 2008. Virgin Airline also have strong policies on equality and avoiding discrimination, this was pushed into the media when 13 of the airlines staff where sacked after describing the passengers as â₠¬Ëœchavs’ on the social networking site Facebook, a spokesperson for the airline stated â€Å"It is impossible for these cabin crew members to uphold [our] high standards of customer service†¦ f they hold these views. † BBC News 2008. This very public stance on social responsibility, especially when it comes to environmental factors, enforces the public interest that Virgin Atlantic employ especially when it comes to decision making and setting their strategic objectives. Reidenbach and Robin (1995) have produced a spectrum of 5 ethical/unethical responses and I believe that Virgin Airline would fall under Ethically Engaged and, â€Å"Actively want to do ‘the right thing’ and be seen doing so† The companies mission states that they want to be a profitable airline & their CSR stance assures the consumers that Virgin Atlantic have principles and although they want to be a profitable airline they will not achieve this strategic objective expense of the planet and the people who inhabit it. 3)External Factors There are a number of external factors which can affect not only the environmental stability of Virgin Atlantic but the attractiveness of the airline industry as a whole. Such factors can be determined by conducting a PESTLE Analysis, a PESTLE Analysis is a business model designed by looks at 6 different factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal & Ethical Issues) and aims to evaluate the impact these factors will have on the Organisation. 3. 1. Political &Legal Factors The main political factors which affect the airline industries stability and attractiveness is the current tax policy employed by the government. Due to the rapid decrease of sustainable fuels and with concerns of global warming stronger than ever the Conservative party plan to increase the Air Passenger Duty (APD) up to 113% by November 2010 if they win at the election, Virgin Airline (2009). This will mean an increase in fares thus affecting the attractiveness of the air travel & may have significant impacts on Virgin Airlines profits. Interest rates set by the government may affect any loans that the Airline have taken out. The exchange rates on currency may also provide issues when the company need to trade currency for customers on board an aircraft moving between the uk and America etc. Legal factors which may affect the attractiveness of the airline industry would be legislation on health & safely, wages and airline regulations in terms of training and quality standards. Code-sharing agreements, which we have established plays a key role in the success and growth or Virgin Atlantic, may be put in to jeopardy if there is conflict between countries which could potential affect the air space in which Virgin Atlantic travels. It would be important for the company to have alternative routes put in place allowing them to still get to their chartered destinations in case this type of situation were to occur. Starting in 2012, the EU union will require all airlines to hold emission permits in order to operate; this was designed as a means of reducing the production of greenhouse gases. This is something which will effect Virgin Atlantic & they will have to do research into the costs of the permits & analysis how this will affect the company financially. 3. 2. Economic Factors The economic factors affecting the airline industry as a whole would be mainly the current economy. With less disposable income the demand for travel has fallen The Times (2009), and the airline may to look at competing with low budget airlines in 2010. The business side of air travel is the most expensive to run and has been affected the worst with the rises in fuel costs Mintel Report (2007). Branson has stated publically that the airline would no doubt overcome the recession but that the first class aspect of air travel would dwindle, Daily Mail (2009). The financial information reported, which will be addressed in the next section ‘Company Financial Performance’ , indicates that Branson’s prediction is correct and that that Virgin Airline will remain stable despite the current recession. This is one such scenario which Virgin Atlantic must address and research in order to determine the environmental stability of the organisation and the ability for it to achieve the 3 year strategy in place. As a result of the recession, Virgin let go off 7% of all employees in 2009 and may have to consider the possibility of letting more go in 2010. The airline is not alone as their main competitor British Airways let 4000 jobs go, Daily Mail (2009). 3. 3. Social Factors & Ethical Issues The main social trend which could impact the airline industries attractiveness would be attitudes and emphasis on safety. After the terrorist attacks in September 2001, the thought if flying was unbearable to most. There is still the threat of terrorism and thus it’s no surprise that many individuals are still concerned about their safety when flying. Virgin Atlantic would have to make sure that they have procedures in place to deal with such situations and ease any concerns individuals have about flying. They have set up a course for those individuals who have a fear of flying which takes place in Local Airports Virgin Atlantic (2010). As previously stated there is an obsession with the celebrity culture and the ideal of traveling to exotic locations in luxury, going into the next decade it is important that this trend of social status remains important and ‘popular’ as this is the brand image which Virgin Atlantic is associated with. If this social factor was to change it would severely impact the attractiveness of the airline industry and subsequently the demand for Virgin Atlantic’s services would be affected. The main ethical issue which is affecting the attractiveness of the airline industry is the emissions let of by the aircrafts. Aviation is responsible for 2% of emissions worldwide and global warming is a huge issue in today’s society, with many individuals dedicated to the social trend of ‘going green’ in a bid to save the planet. Virgin Atlantic remain actively involved in the research and development of alternative sustainable fuels and have joined a voluntary agreement proposed by the airline industry to reduce emissions by 50% in 2050 compared to that of 2005 . 3. 4 Technological Factors Virgin Atlantic has been at the forefront of technology, starting in the eighties when it was the first airline to have individual Televisions for its Business Class Passengers, Virgin Atlantic (2009). With technology in the aviation industry developing from year to year, from new air craft models which reduce emissions to efficient means of checking in customers nd the great entertainment facilities on board makes air travel is very appealing. Virgin Atlantic offer great entertainment systems as well as spacious and luxury air travel in their Airbus A380, which is the world’s first twin deck aircraft offering a fully functioning restaurant’s and bar’s, Boston (2009). This level of technology in the A3 80 sets the airline before is competitors such as BA and low budget airlines can simply not compete with the level of comfort provided on board. 4)Company Financial Performance Despite harsh conditions of the external environment, namely the recession, Virgin Atlantic have remained a successful and profitable airline. In this section, the financial performance of the airline will be analysed over a 4 year period and compared to its main competitor British Airways as well as popular low budget airline Ryanair. 4. 1. The first area we will look at is turnover. The turnover indicates the level of business that each airline has achieved over a yearly period, changes in turnover can be impacted by changes in external factors which result in a decrease of sales. Virgin Atlantic’s turnover is much less compared to their competitors. This is not a true indication of the financial performance of an organisation but the money they derive from sales can indicate the demand one airlines service over another. Although a company may have a high sales turnover, the real profitability is determined by taking the pre-tax profits and dividing these by the turnover, Thomson and Martin 2005. 4. 2. Pre-tax profits To establish the financial success of the Virgin Atlantic we will firstly look at the pre-tax profits of the airline & that of its chosen competitors. Pre-tax profits – Ryanair (thousand 000) Ryanair (2005/9) Pre-tax profits- British Airways (Millions ? ) British Airways (2005/9) They key factor to note in all three pre-tax profits charts is that the recession in 2008 has impacted both low frills airlines and British Airways. Both airline reported losses, the most significant being that of BA at ? 401 Million. Despite the external factor of climate change Virgin Atlantic has managed to not only sustain its financial performance but to almost doubled their pre-tax profits from the previous year, with recorded pre-tax profits of ? 68. 4 Million. 4. 3. Profit Margin Virgin Atlantic is the only one to have maintained their profit margin over 2008. Ryanair & British Airways have made significant losses, whilst Virgin Atlantic’s profit margin is growing. This just shows how much of an impact the economy has on the airline industry and means that Virgin Atlantic will have to keep cost of sales, administration, the selling and distribution costs of tickets down in order to remain profitable. 4. 4. Gearing Ratio The average gearing ratio in the airline industry is around 150% while some companies who are struggling in the recession are as high as 380%. Another key statistic in determining Virgin Atlantics financial position is the gearing ratio. The gearing ratio measures the return on capital employed and indicates any financial risks. The principle is that the higher the gearing ratio the more vunerable the company is. Year Gearing (%) 2005 284. 76 2006 209. 82 2007 199. 92 2008 189. 44 2009 183. 18 As you can see from the table above Virgin Atlantic is slightly over the recommended average in the aviation industry but their vulnerability and financial risk is decreasing year on year following the demand for their services. 5. Competitive Strategy A clear competitive strategy is key in the success of an organisation meeting its strategic objectives. In order to establish Virgin Atlantic’s Competitive strategy we will be using Porters Generic Strategic Framework, a diagram is shown below. According to Porters theory there are 5 forces used to analyse the industry; 5. 1. â€Å"Threat of New Entrants. † As with any industry the more new airlines that enter the market, the more saturated it becomes. The most important factors in the airline industry in retaining loyalty are brand name recognition and frequent fliers point s. Virgin Atlantic have spent the past 25 years building their polished and somewhat sexy image which is so appealing to flyers today. Virgin Atlantics strong brand name and discounts for loyal air travellers will give them the power to gain a customer even if its prices are slightly higher than its competitors. 5. 2. â€Å"Power of Suppliers. † Boeing and Airbus are two of the main air craft manufacturers. Their aircrafts are used by Virgin Atlantic and majority of its competitors, therefore there is no real competition between them. 5. 3 â€Å"Power of Buyers. Due to there being a low choice in suppliers in the aviation industry and taking into account that switching all Virgin Atlantics 38 air crafts to another supplier would be very costly, the airline do not have power over the suppliers. 5. 4. â€Å"Availability of Substitutes. † Substitute products and services may be a concern of some airlines, especially smaller regional firms. However when it comes to Virgin Atl antic they have routes to some of the best locations in the world, of course there are other premium fare airlines which go to the same destinations but they will not have the same brand image as Virgin. It would just be up to the individual travelling and probably concern the cost difference between Virgin Atlantic and its Competitors. 5. 5. â€Å"Competitive Rivalry. † There is a certain degree of rivalry in the aviation industry, especially between Virgin Atlantic and British airways. The affects of the competition are more clear in a economic turndown, for example BA’s loss of 401 million the year ending won’t be helped by Virgin Atlantic’s 25th Anniversary which was celebrated all though 2009, offering special promotions and discounted rates. 5. 6. This Analysis would indicate that Virgin Atlantic would fall under differentiation focus strategy. By offering premium priced products for a high quality service Virgin Atlantic has an advantage over its competitors. Porter (1980) 6. Strategic Direction of Development The main strategic direction flowed by Virgin Atlantic in to increase the airlines market share. This growth has been the main strategic objective since 2008 when it was introduced in a 3 year plan. According to Ansoff’s Matrix there are four main types of growth, Ansoff (1987). Virgin Atlantic’s strategic direction would fall under both market penetration & Product Development. The existing market which Virgin Atlantic operates in continues to have a growing demand for the current services which the airline offer. The growth in demand is due to several of the external factors which were discussed earlier, namely the social trend of luxury air travel and the idea of jet setting around the world with a company associated with celebrities and seen to been sexy. The growth in demand is identified in the increased ticket sales over the past few years despite the current recession which is affecting other premium airlines Virgin Atlantic continue to out-grow its competitors. The strategic direction of increasing market share could not come at a better time for Virgin with British Airways in massive dept and in a very vulnerable position. It is no secret that if BA were unable to operate that Virgin Atlantic would see a significant increase in the market share. Despite the success of the existing services in the existing markets, it is well known that Virgin Atlantic drive for innovation in product development. As established in the external environmental analysis airline have been at the forefront of technology since they launched in the eighties. By continually updating their fleet of air crafts with the newest gadgets and luxuries, the airlines passengers have a better experience on board and are more likely to travel time and time again with the airline. 7. Methods of Development 7. 1. In order for Virgin Atlantic Airline to grow it entered into a code share agreement with some of the larger names in the airline industry these included Continental Airlines & Jet Airways iloveinda. com (2009). Code sharing agreements are used by companies to make the most of each other’s resources and according to the Air Transport Association, Code-sharing agreements allow two (or more) airlines to offer a broader array of services to their customers than they could individually. These marketing arrangements enable an airline to issue tickets on a flight operated by another airline as if it were its own, including the use of its own two-letter code for that flight. These arrangements allow airlines to market expanded networks for the ir passengers at minimal expense† Air Transport Association (2009) 7. 2. In 1999 Virgin Atlantic also partnered with Singapore airlines who now own 49% of the company, Richard Branson signed the deal as he believed it to be an effective way of offering their customers a wider range of destinations at competitive rates BBC News (1999). 8. Conclusions and Recommendations The diagram created by Rowe et Al in 1989, can be used to determine Virgin Atlantics Strategic direction and determines what type of strategy the airline should undertake going forward. Rowe et Al developed this model based on which he considered to be four important variables. The financial strength of the airline and the advantage it has over its competing airlines makes up the internal strategic direction and the stability of the economy along with the attractiveness of the airline industry as a whole. Throughout this report, the strategic direction of Virgin Atlantic has been discussed and the methods of development evaluated alongside airlines financial performance, taking into consideration the external environment. As a result of this analysis and though Rowe at Al’s Space Analysis we can conclude that the airline is not only using a aggressive strategy but that their approach is highly competitive. The current strategy employed by Virgin Atlantic is very successful and is essentially the reason why the organisation has remained profitable in such times as a recession. I would recommend that Virgin Atlantic extend the current strategy over a longer period of time, all of the areas in this report echo the success of the strategy and how well it fits into the organisations business model. They must make sure that they continue to brand themselves as having a unique selling point with an emphasis on value for money in order to remain competitive. Another recommendation would be to keep the economy boarding which they have on flights, i believe that if this element was stripped away altogether then the airline would further narrow their market further and reduce the potential market shares. With the voluntary target set in the airline industry on cutting emissions by 2050, I would encourage Virgin Atlantic to take a more public stance and be actively involved in the research and development of bio fuels by pairing up with the lead organisation. This would enforce the airlines stance of ethical issues regarding global warming. The way in which the organisation brands itself, being sexy & tongue in cheek, has been constantly one of the most important factors in the airlines success. I recommend that message conveyed with the airlines ’25 years still red hot campaign’ is carried on throughout 2010. Page 12 References Airline Network (2007) ‘Virgin Atlantic Passenger Traffic Increase’ Online at http://www. get-packing. com/news/flights/archives/august-2007/virgin-atlantic-passenger-traffic-increase. html (Accessed 19th November 2009) Air Transport Association ‘Airline Handbook, Chapter 2, Code Sharing’ online at http://www. airlines. rg/products/AirlineHandbookCh2. htm (Accessed 1st January 2010) Boston (2009) ‘Virgin Atlantic’s Airbus A380’ online at http://images. google. co. uk/imgres? imgurl=http://cache. boston. com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_Photo/2005/01/18/1106063427_8542. jpg&imgrefurl=http://www. boston. com/business/gallery/airbus/&usg=__tA9Pr Cq_sbXx6TAWpndBbvcOSrc=&h=333&w=508&sz=28&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=wm5v998e2jOptM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvirgin%2Bairbus%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4TSEH_enGB359GB359%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1 (Accessed online 20th November 2009) BBC News (2008)’Airline in first biofuel flight’ online at http://news. bc. co. uk/1/hi/7261214. stm (Accessed 10th of December 2009). BBC News, ‘Branson sells 49% of Virgin Atlantic’ online at http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/business/572516. stm (Accessed 19th November 2009) BBC News (2008) ‘Crew sacked over Facebook posts’ online at http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/uk/7703129. stm (Accessed 10th December 2009 The Daily Mail (2009) ‘Like A Virgin (Pin-Up): kate Moss Dresses up In A Red Playsuit As She Joins Branson for Virgin Atlantic’s 25th Birthday’ online at http://www. dailymail. co. k/tvshowbiz/article-1194691/Like-A-Virgin-Pin–Kate-Moss-dresses-red-joins-Branson-Virgin-Atlantics-25th-birthd ay. html (Accessed 20th November 2009) The Daily Mail (2009) ‘Virgin Staff Get Bonuses While Ailing Rivals BA Urged to Take Pay Cut’ online at http://www. dailymail. co. uk/news/article-1194942/Virgin-staff-bonuses-ailing-rivals-BA-urged-pay-cut. html (Accessed 19th November 2009) Iloveindia. com ‘Virgin Atlantic Airways’ online at http://www. iloveindia. com/airlines-in-india/international/virgin-atlantic. htm

Exercise on Group Behavior

Exercise on group behavior 1. Based on knowledge from your company group relate to and explain the 5-stage group development model and the punctuated equilibrium model (both very important for exam. Group analysis based on 5-stage model: * Forming. Firs task was to find out people with the same level of motivation, expectations and similar point of view through the vision of business idea. After finally forming the company group another task was to find out the purpose of the project and understood why this experience could be useful for us (It took almost all day).Furthermore we had to take decisions about how group is going to look like and what tasks we have to do personally: we find out which persons are going to be leaders who are generating the idea and who are going to work with developing and presenting it. * Storming. Secondly we as a very fresh and inexperienced group had to come up with real and innovative business plan. It was the hardest part of all because we didnâ€⠄¢t knew each other very good. We had many conflicts about different ideas while finally after many disagreements we find out the best decision of our idea. * Norming.During the working time our relationships grown up significantly. It became much easier to work with each other. We began to understand each other easily and that let us to improve our productivity skills in team work.. * Performing. With better relationships to each other our performing improved as well. Everybody knew what they had to do and was not afraid to consulate to other group members. We began to work very fast and effective. * Adjourning. Finally we easily wrote one page report and we are waiting for new activities. Group analysis based on punctuated equilibrium model:Our group development can be good example of punctuated equilibrium model. First day of our work was very efficient. We formed our group, created first business idea and tried to develop and analyzed it. However after a while working with lost things idea we come up with the decision that we are not able to develop and use it. Then it was period of trying to find new ideas. We had about 10 different solutions however we didn’t stick to none of them until the last day when we had to send one page report. Last minutes work helped us to create and generate good idea and present it to others. Based on knowledge on group development why do you think group work often starts with teambuilding activities like wild-life experiences, bowling, outdoor exercises etc.? In group development is very important feeling and atmosphere through the members. Good relationships and knowing each other are the main keys to productive and efficient work. Teambuilding activities give ability to understand the way how other people are thinking, how active they are. Furthermore, people always feel much comfortable and relaxed in the known environment.As for my experience in teambuilding trip i can strongly agree that it was the best way to qu ickly get in the new team. 3. Explain how role conflicts might arise from role perceptions differing from role expectations (try to give a real life example that you have experienced). Personal example: In high school our student council (I was fresh member there) were organizing big event. Leading group announced that everybody can join them and take an active part in developing it. I with other â€Å"freshers† had many interesting thoughts and expectations however how come up in the end we were ably only to participate in cleaning after the party.As a result we felt exploited and misunderstood what caused big conflict between leading and new members. 4. Explain how conformity and status of group members effects team work . Conformity and status are very important part in group development. People are used to behave by first impression. Members who have more experience, are more talented or more self-confident (have higher status than other) are used to be treated as a leade rs or be more respected from the first minute. It can have both positive and negative effects through the group. It is important that despite status everybody would have equal right to speak and realize themselves.Furthermore, People often conform from a desire for security within a group—typically a group of a similar age, culture, religion, or educational status. It can prevent people from new ideas and innovation. 5. Explain why group cohesiveness can be both positive and negative for team performance Positive performance| Negative performance| * Individuals are proud to be in the group and see group membership important. As a result they look seriously to the tasks, output and achievements of the group. * Members of cohesive groups deal with conflict openly and constructively. They develop and share values and team loyality. Cohesive groups increase job satisfaction and reduce stress. * When working toward a common goal group members can fill in for each others' lack of k nowledge or shortage of skill. | * Teams members have tendency to adopt similar behaviors that became group norm what can couse lowered productivity or lack of creativity and innovation * Group-think. It happens when individual group members lose the ability to think for themselves and rely on the group to make their decisions. * cohesive groups find it difficult to change their values, actions or behaviors, particularly when the change is driven by external forces. Opinions held by the majority or by key group members are regarded as unanimous and alternative views are discouraged| 6. Answer the questions in the â€Å"Ethical Dilemma† page 255 1) If group members end up ‘working around’ shirkers, do you think this information should be communicated to the instructor so that individual’s contribution to the project is judged more fairly? If so, does the group have an ethical responsibility to communicate this to the shirking group member? If not, isnâ€⠄¢t the shirking group member unfairly reaping the rewards of a â€Å"free ride’’? Personally I believe that decision have to be made based on situation.I think that first of all group has to try to identify the problem why the member is not working. Maybe he/she has personal problems and can’t concentrate or he/she is not experienced enough that could face the task by himself. Furthermore, is very important to try to speak with the member and say your dissatisfaction directly instead of just throwing him out. If it doesn’t work then group must to communicate with instructor. 2) Do you think confronting the shrinking group member is justified? Does this depend on the skills of shirker (weather he is capable of doing good-quality work)?I believe that everything depends on situation and the task what members have to do. If person is able to do that but just is trying to avoid the work than it is justified. 3) Social loafing has been found to be higher in W estern, more individual nations, that other countries. Do you think this means we should tolerate shirking in these countries to a greater degree than if it occurred with someone from more collectivistic nation? I think that social and cultural background has great influence to human character. This is the reason that group members have to be tolerant with each other and try to find the best working method. . Make case incident 2 page 256 1) What are some factors that led to groupthink in the cases described here? What can teams do to attempt to prevent groupthink from occurring? People have tendency not to make quick and efficient decisions. They are trying to avoid conflicts in the team and are not making changes related with a work. They tend to strict to more traditional and safe decisions. I think that leader have to promote people to represent different ideas and not to be afraid of using different ways. 2) How might differences in status among group members contribute to grou pthink?For example, how might lover-status members react to group’s decisions? Are lower-status members more or less likely to be dissenters? Why might higher-status group members be more effective dissenters? Status has very big impact through group members. Individuals with lower-status are tend to keep quietly and not make decisions. They pretend that situation is appropriate for them and company. Higher-status group members are mostly more active and innovative. 3) Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says that he encourages dissent. Can such norms guard against the occurrence of groupthink?As a manager, how would you try to cultivate norms that prevent groupthink? I personally believe that encouraging dissent is one of the best ways against the occurrence of groupthink. It stimulates people to think and come up with new ideas or improve the old ones. I would choose the same way. 4) How might group characteristics such as size and cohesiveness affect groupthink? If group is very b ig and cohesive then it has big risk to be unsuccessful. People are not used to say their opinion or take action. I believe that smaller groups are working more efficient because they get more responsibilities.