Rbs Reward Strategy free essay sample

RBS provides branch banking facilities throughout the British Isles, together with NatWest and Ulster Bank. Globally, RBS has a range of operations in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. There are a number of RBS centres in sixteen North American states, thirteen European countries and eight major Asia Pacific cities. RBS has around 700 branches that are spread in many larger towns and cities throughout England, Wales and rest of the world but most of them are located in Scotland. Society of the Subscribed Equivalent Debt is from where the bank traces its origin. It was set up by the investors in the failed Company of Scotland to protect the compensation they received as part of the arrangements of the 1707 Acts of Union. In 1724, the â€Å"Equivalent Society† became the â€Å"Equivalent Company† that wished to move into banking. In 1727, the â€Å"New Bank† was chartered as the RBS. Archibald Campbell and Lord Ilay were its first governor. We will write a custom essay sample on Rbs Reward Strategy or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In 1728, RBS was recognised as the first bank in the world to offer an overdraft facility. The headquarters of RBS in located in Edinburg, Scotland. RBS is one of the world’s leading financial services companies. It provides a range of retail and corporate banking services, consumer finance services, wealth management services and financial markets services. As of 2011, RBS serves more than 36 million customers worldwide and has more than 140,000 employees. In 2011, RBS recorded a net loss of 2. 04 billion when the operating CEO was Stephen Hester. RBS provides a full range of banking services under the RBS and NatWest brand. In addition, RBS also includes Citizens Financial Group, Direct Line, Churchill, Ulster Bank Group and other 40 brands. Its operations are diverse as a global business. For example, RBS bought a share in the second largest bank in China namely â€Å"Bank of China†, opening up new opportunities such as a new credit card business. REWARD STRATEGY – Review and Evaluation Employee Reward is about how people are rewarded in accordance with their value to an organisation. It is concerned with both financial and non-financial rewards and embraces the philosophies, strategies, policies, plans and processes used by organisations to develop and maintain reward systems. (Armstrong, 2009) Reward strategy helps an organisation to achieve business goals and stakeholders’ needs. It depends upon how effectively an organisation discriminates between poor and good performers, gives the best people opportunities and ties rewards to performance. NatWest was a company in which the reward system was dominated by status, politics and employee tenure, till the time RBS had acquired it. After RBS had inherited the company, it introduced a new system that held managers responsible for the goals specified and rewarded good performance over average performance. So now, the bank’s reward policies were designed to ensure that RBS was recognised as an employer of choice. For many years have management theorists tried to understand what makes people work harder than others. In RBS, some of the motivation factors identified by theorists can be seen. Herzberg and ‘two-factor’ theory In American industry, Frederick Herzberg (1959) carried out a large scale survey on motivation. His survey results led him to develop a ‘two-factor’ theory of motivation. Firstly, he established that if an employee’s basic need such as basic pay rate and suitable working environment were not met, it creates a source of dissatisfaction. Herzberg termed these as â€Å"hygiene factors†. Whereby on the other hand, the presence of less tangible factors such as challenging work and recognition for doing well, creates or increases work motivation. Herzberg termed theses as â€Å"motivators†. RBS has put in place the following Herzberg’s â€Å"motivators†; * Employees have a collective sense of achievement when the whole business does well. * Employees get recognition for good work. * Employees gain extra responsibility and advancement through regular performance reviews. * When employees do well in their work, the company rewards them. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Abraham H. Maslow (1943) established a theory on staff motivation in which he referred to a â€Å"Hierarchy of Needs† which is usually drawn as a pyramid. At RBS, The theory of Maslow on staff motivation is also evident. According to Maslow, in this hierarchy, the most basic needs had to be satisfied before workers could look to the next level. Basic physical needs were needs such as food, shelter, warmth and bodily functions. Next stage requires that people had to feel safe in their environment. RBS provides the basic needs wherever it creates jobs. Maslow’s higher levels of needs are less easy to describe and less obvious but of great importance. Social need is the fact that we want to feel part of something we share in. RBS creates the opportunity for its employees worldwide to share in its mission and vision for the group. RBS does so by rewarding the employees who contribute to its success through hard work and commitment. Esteem needs refer to needs to feel valued. At RBS, the mindset of the organisation is that employees can make it happen for themselves. It provides opportunities to its employees in different ways such promotion or training and recognises their achievements. Through this, RBS employees can improve their self esteem. The highest level in the hierarchy is â€Å"self actualisation† that means we work hard in order to be as good as we possibly can be. RBS meets this by offering recognition, opportunities, promotion and the chance to develop a lifelong career with Group. Motivation through Total Reward â€Å"Total reward includes indirect as well as direct, and intrinsic as well as extrinsic. Each aspect of reward, namely base pay, contingent pay, employee benefits and non-financial rewards, which include intrinsic rewards from the work itself, are linked together and treated as an integrated and coherent whole† (Manus and Graham, 2003). The total reward at RBS focuses on the overall content and value of the pay and benefits package, and the needs of staff and Group as a whole. In other words, it is the value of everything that the staffs get in return for working for the bank. Result Based Payments Result based payment or Contingent pay deals with performance related pay e. g. skill competence, contribution, or service in the grade. It is described as consolidated when contingent pay is added to basic pay and when it is paid as cash bonuses it is called as variable pay. At RBS, the basic salary is only the starting point from which a number of additional bonus payments can be earned. RBS’ success is shared by it employees through it profit-sharing scheme. When the company meets its overall targets, it gives out a bonus to its employees that are worth 10% of their salary. Other than the profit-share bonus mentioned earlier, there is also a chance to earn an individual performance related bonus when employees achieve or exceed their personal targets. So at the end of the year, when the company or the individual does well, the additional payments may be quite substantial. Work/Life Balance RBS also offers its employees with flexible pension funding, paid holidays, health and medical benefits and a confidential advice service. Moreover, employees at RBS have a generous holiday allowance with the option of buying or even selling days. Employees also have the options of wide range of lifestyle benefits, childcare facilities, discounted shopping vouchers and RBS financial products such as currency exchange, mortgages, personal loans and banking at special staff discounted rates. Personal Development At RBS, the recognition of good performance by employees is by graded progression. Employees are encouraged to ‘make it happen’ through personal development at RBS. This means that RBS encourages employees to develop and grow their abilities and skills. By doing so, it not only helps the employees, but helps RBS to grow as a company. Employees identify the required development needs from the front line managers at their annual performance review that are documented in a personal development plan. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT – Review and Evaluation Performance management is a â€Å"continuous process of identifying, measuring, and developing the performance of individuals and teams and aligning performance with the strategic goals of the organization† (Armstrong, M. , 2009). Performance management is deemed to focus and improve the results from the individual or team by understanding the performance of an agreed framework of competence requirement, standards and planned goals. Performance management is a continuous process and this process involves the following stages: 1) Prerequisites. 2) Performance planning. 3) Performance execution. 4) Performance assessment. ) Performance review. 6) Performance renewal and re-contracting. Almost every role can be described in terms of specific job targets at RBS. By this method of performance management, managers can measure each individual’s performance and reward them accordingly. RBS employees agree with the job objectives and targets at the beginning of the year with the ir line manager. From then onwards, their performance is measured and reported. They will have a performance review at the end of the year. Based on the results and outcomes, additional payments are made which is an effective motivator for high performance. Some of the jobs are based on the achievement of targeted results. This means that a bonus will be paid if the employee achieves or exceeds the target. Such as the job of a corporate banker, who has a responsibility of gaining a certain number of new business customers each year. If he/she achieves the target or exceed it, he/she will be rewarded. At RBS, targets that are difficult to achieve (stretch targets) and are particularly challenging have a greater reward for achieving them. According to its head of human capital strategy Greg Aitken, at RBS, performance management for the leaders is based increasingly on non-financial measures. He claimed at a Human Resource Development conference, that the bank had to view customer service and employee engagement alongside financial performance as measures of success. He also acknowledged that the process of performance management should not be just simply box-ticking exercise, but should be a thorough detailed assessment. At RBS, remuneration is made up of fixed and performance related pay. Performance related pays is designed in such a way that it reflects the success or failure of the employees against the range of targets set for them, taking into account the context in which results were achieved. The bank uses a range of incentive structures that are designed to reinforce messages regarding what employees are being asked to achieve, and deliver pay for performance. Performance includes financial and non financial measures, risk performance and other relevant factors. While ensuring pay is warranted given business performance, they objective in determining bonus awards is to incentivise and motivate the desired achievements. At RBS, there is no clear focus on differentiation, therefore, the best performance and the best performers will continue to be rewarded. At RBS, performance assessment is based on a balanced scorecard of measures including employee management, customer management, risk and financial performance. Allocation of any variable reward from the annual incentive pool depends on functional, divisional and individual performance of the employees against the performance measures set at the beginning of the year. At RBS, individual performance assessment is supported by a structured performance management framework. The targets set are measurable, specific and communicated to the employees at the beginning of the year. RECOMMENDATIONS RBS has an effective reward and performance management systems. However, there is a certain room of improvement. In the reward system, it is very important to put compensation at the top because it is a major factor in the minds of potential employees. However, right strategy should also include incentive compensation plan which is directly related to the goals of RBS. Long-term rewards should be provided for key individuals at RBS. The employees notice the benefits being provided to them, therefore, if the bank does not match or exceed the benefit levels of their competitors, it would be difficult to retain and attract professionals. RBS must view performance management system by encompassing the following important elements: * The bank should determine whether it has the capability to embrace performance as a culture because without such capability or desire, the performance management system becomes a compliance activity rather than adding value to the organisation. * To ensure that employees have behaviour, competencies and skills that allow them to understand and use the performance management system. The methodology which should determine the â€Å"what, when and how† of the performance management. * Enabling technology for the benefit of the organisation and its employees. Conclusion RMPS involves far more than performing an annual appraisal and expecting performance to improve as a result. The cultural transformation to performance based can take years to achieve and requires committing necessary resources (Lathem et al, 2005). RBS operates a forward thinking Human Resources strategy by providing a world-class employment package that motivates its staff at every level. Motivation theory comes to life at RBS as effort is seen to be valued, achievement is recognised, individual progress is rewarded and long-life career is available. Moreover, individuals are made to feel a part of the bigger picture and there are motivators for all. REFERENCES Books and Journals: 1. Armstrong, M. , 2009, Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management practice, 11th ed. , Reading, London, Philadelphia, UK. 2. Armstrong, M. , 2010, A Handbook of Human Resource Management practice, 10h ed. , Reading, London, Philadelphia, UK. 3. Armstrong, M. And Baron, D. 1998, Performance management: the new realities, Reading, Institute of Personnel and Development, London. 4. Brown, D. , 2001, Reward Strategies from intent to impact, Reading, CIPD, London. 5. LaChance, S. , 2006. Applying the balanced scorecard, Strategic HR Review, 5(2), pp. 7-7. 6. Latham, G. P. , Almost, J. , Mann, S. amp; Moore, C. (2005) New Developments in Performance Management, Organizational Dynam ics, vol. 34, pp. 77-87. 7. Manus, T. M. and Graham, M. D. , 2003, Creating a Total Rewards Strategy, Reading, American Management Association, New York. 8. Rose, M. 1998, Performance-related pay in schools, Reading, An Assessment of the green papers, NUT: London. Online Sources: 9. bcognizance. iiita. ac. in (2012) MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES. [online] Available at: http://bcognizance. iiita. ac. in/jul-sep07/cascading. html [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 10. bipard. bih. nic. in (2012) Employee Motivation. [online] Available at: http://bipard. bih. nic. in/Downloads/Management/Employee%20Motivation. pdf [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 11. books. google. com. my (2012) Reward System for RBS employees. Available at: http://books. google. com. my/books? d=pSzPrlVSg0kCamp;pg=PA45amp;lpg=PA45amp;dq=reward+system+for+RBS+employeesamp;source=blamp;ots=VOlQndaDDeamp;sig=bvBi1ubqD0rwdLBTFDjGhB7NqkEamp;hl=enamp;sa=Xamp;ei=jZu7UM6tHMePrgeQu4HAAgamp;ved=0CEUQ6AEwAw#v=onepageamp;qamp;f=false. [Accessed: 22 Feb 20 13]. 12. entrepreneur. com (2012) The Best Ways to Reward Employees. Available at: http://www. entrepreneur. com/article/75340. [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 13. hereisthecity. com (2012) RBS Remuneration Disclosures. Available at: http://hereisthecity. com/2011/03/18/fsa-remuneration-disclosures-at-31-december-2010/ [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 4. ihrim. org (2012) Employee Motivation A Powerful New Model. [online] Available at: http://www. ihrim. org/Pubonline/Wire/Feb11/EmployeeMotivation_HBR. pdf. [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 15. marketwatch. com (2012) Annual Financials for RBS. [online] Available at: http://www. marketwatch. com/investing/stock/rbs/financials. [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 16. peoplemanagement. co. uk (2012) Performance management at RBS. Available at: http://www. peoplemanagement. co. uk/pm/articles/2009/04/performance-management-at-rbs-looks-beyond-financial-results. htm. [Accessed: 22 Feb 2013]. 17.

Witch Trials essays

Witch Trials essays The mock witchcraft trial done in class displayed many aspects of witchcraft trials that might normally have been used long ago. I think one thing that directly affected the result of the trial was the fact that the two women accused of witchcraft were both illiterate peasants. Since they were illiterate, they were not able to use outside written sources to defend themselves. For example, the village crone could have brought in Part I., Question Viii. Of the Malleus Maleficarum which states that witches could only affect the lives of the babies that were from unmarried women since matrimony was Gods work, and the devil was not as strong as God (malleusmaleficarum.org/part_I/mm01_08a.html). This would have disproved the accusations against her relating to being a midwife since the only babies that were dead were from married women. Also, the trial might have been different if the people would have found out about the village girls mothers abortion by the midwife. This act would have a dded further reason to convict her. Another way the trial could have been different is if the people had never discovered that the village girls rambling was just form her being lonely and imaginative. If they would not have questioned her as much as they did, they would have thought she was simply possessed rather than just over imaginative. In addition, there were several points during the trial that most determined its outcome. First, when it was discovered that many of the babies that the midwife had delivered had died, everyone seemed to think this was a sure sign of witch craft. They believed this because throughout history witches that are midwives have been known to kill babies and sacrifice them to the devil. For example, Part II, Question 1, Chapter XIII of the The Malleus Maleficarum states, ...the greatest injuries to the Faith as regards the heresy of witches are done by midwives... (..

Analysing The Religious Views On Euthanasia Philosophy Essay

Analysing The Religious Views On Euthanasia Philosophy Essay When it comes to religious point of views on issues, euthanasia is one of the most controversial moral topics of all time. Euthanasia comes from the Greek word ÃŽÂ µÃƒ ¡Ã‚ ½Ã‚ ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¸ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ½ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã†â€™ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ¯ÃƒÅ½Ã‚ ± meaning ‘good death. Euthanasia can be defined as â€Å"the practice of ending a life in a technique that reduces pain and suffering† ( Eike-Henner 11). Religions such as the Roman Catholics and Orthodox Judaism oppose euthanasia on the grounds that it invades God’s territory of life and death. Life is considered a gift from God and should only be taken back by God. There are different forms of euthanasia: voluntary/involuntary and active/passive. Active euthanasia is the inducement of death by taking specific steps such overdose of painkillers or sleeping pills. Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, is the discontinuation of medical treatment in a terminal case so as to allow the patient have a natural death. Voluntary euthanas ia is killing a person for the purpose of relieving pain from terminal or incurable illness or injury with their consent. Finally, involuntary euthanasia is killing a person for the purpose of relieving suffering without first obtaining the person’s consent. â€Å"This paper will examine the ethical views of the Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Jews on the act of euthanasia.† The Roman Catholic teachings have a precise definition for euthanasia. Pope John Paul II describes it as â€Å"an act or omission which of itself or by intention causes death, with the purpose of eliminating all suffering† (Evangelium vitae [Ev], 1995, n. 65). The Church teaches that it is morally unacceptable and constitutes it as a murderous act, which is contrary to what they call the dignity of a person. Namely that every individual is born with dignity, and they are an estimable value. They value the human life, because a person indeed is priceless, for they are created by God. Euthana sia is an act that denies respect of God, the creator. Even if a person is acting on good faith, nothing changes the nature of what euthanasia is; at the very base euthanasia is an act of murder. When it comes to physicians assisted suicide the Roman Catholics describe it as a grave sin against God, because it suggests that a person is in charge of their body instead of God the creator. Physicians assisted suicide can be defined as â€Å"a doctor or medical staff person prescribes a lethal amount of medication with the intent of assisting a person commit suicide (John 151). The patient then takes the dose or turns the switch. Since preserving life is the greatest good for Catholics, they believe that the 5th commandment in the Old Testament of the Bible says it all â€Å"Thou shall not kill† (John 14). They believe this applies to killing oneself or killing someone else who has asked to die such as a terminally ill patient. No human being has the authority to make life and d eath decisions. Killing denies the victim something that he or she values greatly, continued life or a future. Moreover, since continued life is necessary for pursuing future endeavors, killing brings the suppression of all of these plans. Therefore, Catholics believe that doctor assisted-suicide deprives an individual of a future that they potentially could’ve had.

Business profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business profile - Essay Example Poffertjes are always sold in portions which can contain one or two dozens of them. These food products can be packed and sold in plastic plates, or cardboards, and are always accompanied by a disposable fork. It is possible to sale poffertjes when they are ready made; all that a customer needs to do is to microwave them. Poffertjes can be sold when they are ready made, and on this basis, they will always be accompanied by small portions of butter, and powdered sugar. Some business people can also produce poffertjes but serve it with milk and eggs. This type of poffertjes contains a leavening agent such as baking powder. Apart from butter and powdered sugar, poffertjes can also be served with strawberry and white whipped cream (Moor, 2012). Poffertjes can also be referred to as the Indonesian cuisine. This is because Indonesia has some very strong historical ties with the Netherlands. This is because Indonesia was a colony of Netherlands. Why the name Poffertjes: This term poffertjes first appeared in the 1700s, when the first recipe for the cuisine was developed. During this period, this cuisine was considered a poor man’s food, and was made from water, yeast and buckwheat flour. This is because buckwheat only grew in arid areas, and on most occasions, it is the poor people who resided in these areas (Moor, 2012). When producing it for domestic use, the product is baked on a cast iron pan. When producing it commercially, the product is baked on dimpled large copper plates. However, there are special materials developed to bake these products. These facilities are referred to as poffertjespan. For a chef to know if these products are actually baking, they usually produce a puff like sound, when they are being turned around (Moor, 2012). That is why they are called the poffertjes, derived from the puff like sound they produce while they are being prepared. Recipe: To produce this cuisine, the following are the requirements (Moor, 2012); 1 cup of warm milk . Three quarters of teaspoon dry yeast. 2 cups of buckwheat flour. Butter. Powdered sugar 2 eggs. Pinch salt. Method of Preparation: The first step is to sprinkle yeast on the warm milk, and thereafter setting it aside so that it should proof. When this milk product is ready, then the next step is to mix it with flour and eggs, slowly adding milk to it (Moor, 2012). During this process, it is important to stir it well, as this will ensure that there aren’t any lumps on the product. After this is done, then the next step is to cover the product, and leave it for about 45 minutes. This is for purposes of making it to rise. After the 45 minutes are over, then the chef has to heat the pan, and thereafter butter each dimple. The cook should use small portions of butter during this process (Moor, 2012). When bubbles begin appearing on the surface, and sides dry up, then they are ready to be served. How to sale the product in Dubai: Dubai is a cosmopolitan Arabian country, and as su ch, it hosts a variety of foreigners who came from Europe, Asia, America and Africa. Since this is a European delicacy, my target market will mostly center on the Europeans. However, I will also seek to sale this cuisine to the native people of Dubai. I believe, they will like the new experience. I intend to sale this cuisine as a ready made food product. This is because I will be operating a kiosk, and therefore it will be very expensive to hire cooks, who will be making it,

Is Glenn Beck a populist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Is Glenn Beck a populist - Essay Example through this program are addressed toward the complications of the current programs and state that there needs to be a change in the structure and function of politics. Specifically, Beck focuses on the elitist class and the way that this has shaped politics outside of the democratic vision that first founded the country. The opinions and viewpoints that Beck holds toward the current political situation is one that defines him as a populist, specifically by showing the loss of power to the people and the lack of change that the government has provided under the names of democracy. The representation that Glenn Beck carries is one that began with his past and his specific life experiences. It is through the associations that Beck had growing up that led him into the role of representing the populist movement and the different concepts that applied to this. Beck grew up in a rural town in America and began to work into radio beginning at the age of 15. Beck often speaks about the suicide of his mom and the breakdown of his family, which led him into specific difficulties through his earlier life. Through his upbringing, and by the time he reached 30, he went through several small companies and jobs. He claims to have struggled with problems such as alcoholism, drugs and finding his way through America to get the job and dream that he desired. When he turned 30, he had one child and a girlfriend who would only marry him if he began to change some of the concepts in his life. He began to change his path by joining the Mormon religion and focusing on becoming a be tter career oriented individual. However, as he began to focus on this new path, he also recognized that there was a change in America and what was occurring. The recognition that he found led him into the movement created through his entertainment station and allowed him to begin approaching a different type of entertainment center, specifically which was for the people (Zaitchik, 2009). Beck

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Essay Example for Free

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Essay As a kid and an adult, I have encountered numerous occasions in which I’ve stumbled upon a neglected baby bird. Instinctually, I would think picking up the baby bird, bringing it into my home, and consoling it would be the most beneficial to the animal. After reading an article on South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers (SPWRC) website, I was surprised to learn doing the exact opposite would be better for the birds’ ultimate well-being. There are many issues that can be easily over looked because they do not necessarily affect one’s life directly. The both educational and environmentally beneficial programs at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center can be a useful tool, to not only open one’s eyes to unseen issues, but also create a more diverse and stable local wildlife. South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center hosts a variety of volunteer opportunities. In my opinion the most exciting program would be the hands on wildlife care program. This program involves, preparing meals, feeding animals, and helping with medical treatment, all while creating unique bonds with each animal. Also, the volunteer would learn the procedures for aiding the animals that are brought in for care and answering any questions about a wildlife emergency properly. If one is more drawn to the outdoors and wants more of a physical volunteer experience, helping with the building and grounds maintenance is a perfect opportunity for physical work. The program involves handy work, lawn care, landscaping, and general maintenance activities. Most importantly, this program includes the responsibility of maintaining a clean and suitable environment for the animals. Another opportunistic program with SPWRC is the environmental education program. This program is for volunteers who enjoy educating the public, it involves setting up educational materials, being able to handle educational animals, and teaching the community about the centers’ wildlife. To aid in this program volunteers will learn new materials necessary to inform the public and will also need to be open to creating ideas to help form new community outreach programs. For some volunteers who prefer to be a little more behind the scenes, there are opportunities to assist in fundraising and clerical work around the center. Fundraising will need volunteers to be able to participate and help with campaign activities. Clerical work will involve simple errands that will aid in the administrative office with staying up to date with important information. To get started with volunteering at South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, first depends on whether the volunteer is an adult or junior. Juniors’ fall under the age group of twelve to seventeen years old, because of their age, they need a parents’ approval and are restricted in helping with certain animals. An adult volunteer can help with any of the animals, if properly vaccinated and possesses a certificate with a notary seal for proof. There is also a questionnaire that must be filled out by all volunteers. After the proper vaccinations and the questionnaire have been completed, they will be sent to the volunteer coordinator. Soon after, the volunteer will be called for an orientation session, if qualified. South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization that solely depends on its volunteers and the amount of donations given by the community. Without these two major factors, the rehabilitation center would not be able to function. With volunteering, an important role in this organization, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities waiting to be fulfilled. No matter how one chooses to get involved with SPWRC’s programs, the benefits of doing so echo both throughout the community and within oneself.

The Incredibly Usable Cattail :: Botany

The Incredibly Usable Cattail Is it possible that cattails were the reeds in which baby Moses was hidden? Their range does include nearly all the continents. And even though cattails are wide ranging, commonly known plants, few know of their versatility. Nearly the entire plant can be eaten, excluding the leaves. Cattails were used many different ways medicinally, from a topical ointment to an internal remedy. The plants have also been used in a wide variety of miscellaneous purposes. Mostly, they have been used for weaving, but they also have been used for filling and more (Coon 1960). Although taxonomists have historically had trouble defining a couple species, North American cattail nomenclature is fairly straightforward. Cattails are monocots of the order Typhales, subdivided into two families: Sparganiaceae or the bur-reed family and Typhaceae. Typhaceae, the cattail family, is comprised only of the genus Typha. Four species of Typha occur in North America. The four North American cattails are: T. latifolia, T. angustifolia, T. glauca, and T. domengensis. T. latifolia has a range including Europe and Asia (Mohlenbrock 1970). In North America, it ranges widely from Alaska, through Canada, throughout the U.S. and into Mexico (Hotchkiss & Dozier 1949). It is common in every county in Illinois (Mohlenbrock 1970). T. angustifolia grows in Africa, Europe, and Asia (Mohlenbrock 1970). In North America, it ranges from the Northeast to the Midwest and also California (Hotchkiss & Dozier 1949). In Illinois it occurs throughout most of the state (Mohlenbrock 1970). Besides North America, T. qlauca and T. domengensis are also found in Europe. These two however, do not occur in Illinois. In the U.S., T. glauca ranges from the upper Midwest and Northeast down the Altantic coast to Florida and into Alabama. It also occurs in California. T. domengensis, being well adapted to brackish waters, grows along the coast from Delaware to Mexico and also occurs in the Southwest. Many common names are used for cattails. T. latifolia goes by the name broadleaf cattail, common cattail and soft flag. T. angustifolia has been called narrow leaf cattail and nail rod. Blue cattail and blue flag describe T. glauca. T. domengensis is commonly known as southern cattail. Other names include flagtail, marsh beetle, blackcap, water torch and candlewick, cat-of-nine tails and reed mace (Coon 1960). Some Native American names have been translated as prairie chicken feathers, eye itch, and roof grass. Typha's wide range can be accounted for by several features both physiologically and anatomically.

Private Security after 9/11 Essay

The Transportation Security Administration   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Two months after the 9/11 attacks, the Congress ratified the Aviation and Transportation Security Act or what is known as the ATSA, creating what is known as the Transportation Security Administration (The Heritage†¦ 2006). According to the assumptions to the federalization of airport security, all passengers are uniformly suspicious and should have similar analysis, and the principal aim of the airport security is to observe and confiscate hazardous objects such as knives, bombs and guns, resulting to the creation of TSA which cause an extensive cost without making Americans perceptively safer (The Heritage†¦, 2006). Transportation Security Administration or the TSA which is a part of the Aviation and transportation Security Act ratified by the US Congress and signed by George W. Bush on November 19, 2001 is a United States government agency that was formed immediately after the tragedies at the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001 (TSA 2007). The TSA was originally structured in the U.S. Department of Transportation but on March 01, 2003 was reassigned to the US Department of Homeland Security with the responsibility for the safety of the country’s system of transportations. With the regional, local, and state partners, the Transportation Security Agency with approximately 50,000 employees, watches over and administer the security and safety of railroads, buses, ports, transit systems, highways, and 450 United States Airports (TSA 2007). Among the airports includes the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and the San Francisco International Airport, which uses private security under contract with the Transportation and Security Administration in inspecting passengers and bag gages. The TSA is responsible in the safety and protection of all types of transportation such as rail, pipelines & highways, and aviation in which the huge majority of its employees can be found. Before the creation of TSA the security screening is managed by the private companies who had contracts with either, a terminal, an airline or an airport operator. Private security agencies have been authorized by the Transportation and Security Administration in providing security but these agencies are under the permission or approval of the TSA. TSA was assigned in the development of policies in ensuring the security and safety of any forms of transportation especially the US air traffic. The Transportation and Security Administration supervise the Federal Air Marshall Service until it was shifted to the US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in December 1, 2003, and in the US Government’s fiscal year in 2006, the Federal Air Marshall Program was shifted back again to the TSA. The TSA is accountable for operation in screening passengers’ items and luggage in all US Commercial airports, and combating baggage theft in many airports. TSA has also receives many criticisms concerning airport operations and this includes, complaints mistreatment of invasion privacy, engaging I security theater, theft of airline passenger possessions, sales of items collected from passengers, skipping security checks, failure on the use of common sense and judgment, and failure to screen and detect fake bombs brought by an undercover TSA agent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Intense implementation deadlines required by the US Congress, limited terminal space, high investment on baggage screening equipments, and limited number of screeners, combined to generate huge inefficiencies and because of this $2.5 billion dollars have been spent just for the baggage screening equipments as of September 2004 in spite of high error rate and low performance of the expensive explosive detection system or EDS. Transportation Security Today   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before September 11, 2001, transportation safety within the United States was restricted in purpose and in degree. Total federal spending for all transportation security was less than $200 million a year, with most of that devoted to passenger aviation. Subway surveillance cameras and transit police sought detect or stop criminal activity, and customs agents at ports look for smugglers. The only division that had received essential resources and security policy awareness from the US Federal Government, the importance was tremendously shifted overseas (William Johnstone, 2006, p. 1). Many have explained the success of the 9/11 attacks as mainly the result of imperfect intelligence, but the available evidence indicates the primary negligence was that of the aviation security system. The whole history of the system, as well as the testimony received by the 9/11 Commission indicates that its defenses could only respond effectively with the kind of actionable and specific intelligence that all agree is always in short supply (William Johnstone, 2006, p. 2). The federal government responded to the 9/11 with a flurry of Congressional and Executive Branch initiatives, including: the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 (ATSA), which created the Transportation Security Administration to be responsible for the security of all modes of transportation and established the deadlines for the implementation of the a number of specific aviation security measures, the Marine Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) which set the security guidelines for ports and ships, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) which established new department of homeland Security (DHS) by combining twenty two separate federal agencies, including TSA, the Coast Guard, the Customs Ser vice, and the Federal Management Agency (FEMA) The 2002 legislation creating the 9/11 Commission which was to examine and report upon the facts and causes relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and investigate and report to the President and Congress on its findings, conclusions and recommendations for corrective measures that can be taken to prevent acts of terrorism, a series of Homeland Security Presidential directives (HSPDS), including the December 2003 HSPD-& which called for DHAS to produce a comprehensive integrated National Plan for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection, and lastly, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention act of 2004 which turned many of the 9/11 commission’s recommendation including those relating to transportation security into statutory mandates (William Johnstone, 2006). The increased federal policy attention was accompanied by a substantial rise in federal funding for the Transportation Security, which rose from less than $150 million in Fiscal years (FY) 2001 to more than $7.7 billion in FY2005, but four years after 9/11, after a several, a series of federal laws, reorganization, and executive directives, after more than $25 billion in few federal security investments, major questions remain about the effectiveness of all the elements of the new system. Aviation Security With the layers of aviation security the intelligence security sector of the TSA is more pertinent to decision and leadership of its agency doing procedure than its forerunner in the FAA, but even if it is two times as large as its forerunner, it stays considerably understaffed and its agents are now distributed much fewer with duties for the modes of transportation not just in aviation (William Johnstone, 2006). Development has been recounted in perimeter security of airports through a lowering in the access points of airports, an rise in vehicles entering airports and in, surveillance of individuals and some enhancements in background checks of airport employee, though, small has varied in the divided responsibilities of the old systems for â€Å"access control†, with US Federal Government, and to a lesser degree the airlines all having a function (p. 6).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   General aviation security has not been substantially has not been substantially upgraded, with neighbor pilots, passengers, baggage, nor cargo subjected to security screening, and threat and vulnerability has assessment have yet to be undertaken for most general aviation airports. A December 2004 Congressional report, criticized TSA for failing to understand the risk from small private planes, provide useful threat information to general aviation airports, and enforce security compliance by charter airlines and flight schools (p. 6). Similar weaknesses persist to continue in air cargo security, and reportedly only 5% of all cargo is presently screened, and the GAO has stated that carrying cargo aircraft persist to be highly susceptible to sabotage of terrorist. TSA has stated sets of regulation for security of air cargo but usual for rule making, the procedure is progressing very slowly, and even if concluded, the new rules would give fewer features on how freight industry, which is anticipated to execute the security program, is to perform this groundless mandates (p. 6).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Four years of going through have educated us that the United States government can’t do the work better compared to the private sector and this should not come as unexpected because absolutely every nation that has utilized government screeners has reached similar conclusion (The Heritage†¦, 2006). When nations first attempt to prevent airline hijacking in the 1970’s, most countries originally used government staffs to enhance security at airports through justice agency or government transportation, and in the start of the 1980’s the European airports starts developing a â€Å"performance contracting model† with which the government impose and establish high performance standard with which airports did by employing security companies. Belgium was the 1st to do this mode in 1982, in 1983 this was emulated by the Netherlands, in 1987 by the United Kingdom, and a new wave of conversions to the â€Å"public private partnership model in 1990’s, in 1992 with Germany, 1993 in France, 1994 in Austria and Denmark, 1998 in Ireland and Poland, and 1999 in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland (The Heritage†¦, 2006). The GAO examined the security inspection methods of Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom reporting the excellent performance of airports in Europe using the performance contracting model. The GAO state the four parts of the important differences between European and US screening practices at the time, and these are, better overall security system design, higher training and qualifications prerequisite for screeners, better pay and benefits resulting in much lower turnover rates, and screening task given with the national government or the airport and not with airlines (The Heritage†¦, 2006). Reactive System   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the 1990 the Presidential Commission on Aviation and terrorism, which itself had been established only after the Pan AM 103 disaster, reported to the nation that the FAA was a reactive agency preoccupied with responses to events to the exclusion of adequate contingency planning in anticipation of future threats (William Johnstone, 2006). The main features of the pre 9/11 security system can be summarized as anti-hijacking measures (including checkpoint screening, profiling, and air marshals, the anti-sabotage measures including X-ray screening and positive passenger bag match at high risk airports, and additional measure such as explosive detection equipment, canine teams, and CAPPS (William Johnstone, 2006). Unpromising Future The hope for any important improvement in baggage and passenger security are depressing because instead of tasking each airport with securing its operations under the National Regulatory Supervision† as is ordinary in most other countries, Congress tackle the 9/11 failure of security by instructing in the Transportation Security Administration not only the regulatory responsibility but also the â€Å"service provision duties of the airport screening (The Heritage†¦, 2006). The TSA served as both an operator and passenger screener while the perimeter patrols, access control and law enforcement duties were to be done by the airports themselves under the FSD administration, creating a serious conflict of interest. The Need for Legislation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Primarily, the fault cannot be attributed alone with the TSA, but with the Congress which directed how the US government must tackle the problem, the Congress selected in concentrating on how the US government could make the pre 9/11 security check better rather than directing the vital issue of searching for the most effective and efficient method to stop terrorist off the plane. The Congress formed the problem and solving it will make Congress’ law to reshape the US government on the duties of stopping terrorist more willingly than focusing on the passengers’ luggage. The congress can begin by shifting the TSA into a much more different Aviation security Agency, and the Congress should push the US Government to get out of the screening business and transfer screening to airports, obliging only that they authorize contracts, set performance standards, and observe compliance (The Heritage†¦, 2006). The new ASA should enforce and set standards focusing on, certification of security companies with which an agency of the US Government evaluates the backgrounds of its directors and officers and financial stability of each firms, licensing of individual workers, initially as skilled security officers and then as specialized aviation agents, standards for benefits and salary to guarantee that people of highly skilled employees are hired and that they are motivated to stay with the company, and lastly, training of operating personnel and managers (The Heritage†¦, 2006). A New Model for Aviation Security The DHS should focus its attention to the development of the 21st century cargo system and international passenger security system that doesn’t waste resources by considering every package and person as an equal risk that needs screening and checks. A new â€Å"model system should distribute resources of security in comparison with the risk or danger, counting on what is called as â€Å"focused security† that place the most resources alongside with the highest risks. An enhanced â€Å"risk based approach† to recognize dangerous persons would make separation of passengers within the checkpoints of terminals into at least three distinct groups according to the quality and quantity of information known about each, such low risk passengers with which great deal is known, ordinary passengers or persons who are mostly infrequent flyers and leisure travelers, and high risk passengers or people whom nothing is known or having negative information about them. Also, different actions for bag and passenger screening should be done with each group to have an efficient system resources and passenger time allotment on methods that give little to the security of airport. The â€Å"risk based approach† would give noteworthy cost savings to both operating cost and capital while aiming funds of the airport security toward the passengers who are expected to pose threats to property and people, and those savings could be utilized to develop security in other areas and lower the passenger, airline, airport, and taxpayer’s cost (The Heritage†¦, 2006). The â€Å"risk based model would also lower the cost and size of   â€Å"checked baggage screening†, and the bags of RT members could be screened through X ray machines, lowering the EDS machines’ demand. Conclusion The US Congress can assist to tackle the country’s airport security requirement more effectively by insisting the 3 essential changes such as, reconstructing the TSA’s mission from giving airport security to being a policymaker of the aviation security, devolving screening responsibility to the airport level under the authorization of a director of the federal security, and lastly, requiring that the DHS labor to construct a new cargo and passenger security system that utilize a â€Å"risk based model† for the security of airports (The Heritage†¦, 2006). References Burns, V., Peterson, D. (2005).   Terrorism: A Documentary and Reference Guide.   New York: Greenwood Press. TSA – Transportation Security Administration. (2007). What Is TSA?. Retrieved December 23 2007, from http://www.tsa.gov/who_we_are/what_is_tsa.shtm The Heritage Foundation. (2006). Time to Rethink Airport Security. Retrieved December 23 2007, from http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandSecurity/bg1955.cfm Williams C. (2004).   Aircrew Security.   New York: Ashgate Publishing Ltd. William Johnstone, R. (2006).   9/11 and the Future of Transportation Security.   New York: Greenwood Press.            

A Research Paper on Estee Lauder

Much can be said for the company that gave us an array of fragrances, cosmetics, and apparel along the years. Esteà © Lauder Companies along with the its affiliates have come a long way from starting out as a small counter on Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City in the late forties.The company grew out to become a market leader in the cosmetics market in the United States. With sales amounting up to $ 6 billion in 2006, the â€Å"quite small† company that Joseph Lauder and his wife started is a typical success story emulated the world over.However, intrigues and controversies abound as the company that is still dominated by the Lauder family at present faces a dilemma whether to directly face the conflicts head on or just hold on and do business the usual way.SituationIn February of 2001, a pro-Palestinian group led a boycott on all Estee Lauder Companies products after allegations of pro-Israel activities that were done by Ronald Lauder, the current CEO of Estee Lauder Compani es. The boycott cost a decrease in the profits of the entire group of companies while at the same time affecting the image of the company as a whole because of the incident. Steps of remarketing strategies were done by the company so as to offset the negative effects of the boycott on the image of the entire company.This was preceded by a long standing legal battle of Ronald Lauder with Vladimir Zelezny and the Czech Republic in 1999 which has resulted to a pay out to the Estee Lauder chief executive by the Czech businessman which incidentally was elected as senator of Czech Republic.In addition, Estee lauder is facing the pressures of answering claims that the ingredients in some of its cosmetics offerings are cancerous and should not be sold in the market. Likewise, the company also has to address the growing number of natural alternative cosmetics in the market that is slowly eating up its market shares.ConflictThe boycott was received by the public with mixed reactions. Most of the Muslim population adhered to the group that started the boycott and saw Ronald Lauder as an alleged Zionist who, though a businessman, is really supportive of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The argument here is the legality and intent of Mr. Lauder to make such statements without considering the fact that he represents a large multinational company and anything that comes out of his mouth could affect the image and impression on the company that he leads.On the other hand, the actions that the head executive made towards political issues are viewed by some groups, particularly by Pro-Israeli groups as an exercise if his right of free speech and free actions. This was even answered by an anti-boycott which is geared to contradict the allegations that the chief executive of Estee Lauder did was the appropriate thing to do.The primary conflict here not exactly the question of whether Ronald Lauder did something that would please a certain group of people or not but the negati ve effects that the incident entailed on the image of the company, as well as Mr. Lauder himself. The effects can be exemplified by a significant decrease in the stock prices of Estee Lauder in the stock markets in 2001 which amounted to a continuous bearish descent and cost the company losses along the way.Estee Lauder’s marketing efforts have also been significantly affected by the perception towards Ronald Lauder. As a matter of fact, telecommunication ventures of the company in Europe, RSL Communications went bankrupt the same year after the incident. The operations of the telecoms company are mainly based in Europe and the United States.Furthermore, what happened in the media venture between Ronald Lauder and his Czech partner, Vladimir Zelezny resulted to a legal suit after the latter failed to release the license for the local network Nova which was under Lauder’s Central European Media Enterprises (CME). This further affected the image of the CEO and led to the bankruptcy of CME in 2000. This however was compensated by the damage fees that were awarded in favor of Ronald Lauder in 2003.Furthermore, the issue of Estee Lauder fooling customers over synthetic and toxic ingredients over their cosmetics is one serious conflict that the company is trying hard to face. For instance, a report by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., chair of the Cancer Prevention Coalition in Chicago, indicated in one of his reports that most of the products that Estee Lauder sells in the market today contain certain carcinogens which could cause cancer through continuous use.He furthered that the products in particular that Origins released recently which claims to â€Å"optimize skin defense against skin age accelerators† have been deemed confusing and that the marketing strategy used here by Estee Lauder clearly hides the truth to its clients.In the same study that was published by Dr. Epstein, he claims that ingredients such as Limonene, PEG-100, among others a re known carcinogens all of which are present in the current product lines that the cosmetics company sells in the market. Also, the study includes the presence of Parabens and Bisabolol, both of which are known to disrupt endocrine functions of the body and penetrate skin respectively.With the growing market for more natural and animal-friendly cosmetics slowly eating up the market, Estee Lauder has to rethink its current marketing strategy and invest more on the product development of its cosmetic product lines in order to cope up with the high growth in demand in the market.

Surname Essays

Surname Essays Surname Essay Surname Essay Essay Topic: Mythologies In Ways of Seeing, John Berger focuses on the power of visuals. To demonstrate this, he uses the example of the oil painting of a woman, made entirely with a male viewer in mind. The intended purpose was to stir up the desire for a woman. The woman is aware, though subconsciously, that she is being watched; and so she acts in such a manner as to be watched. In today’s world, this same principle is applied to advertising. Instead of highlighting on what the consumer has now, the advertiser presents what the consumer lacks. By doing this, he leads the consumer into believing that he needs the product to have a better lifestyle. My assumption has been that people are fully aware of what they need. In the actual sense, advertisers use the element of visuals to suggest to us our need for the product; we are led to acquiring things we do not really need just because we do not have them. In his book titled Mythologies, Roland Barthes seeks to explain human behavior and in particular, the correlation between childhood and adulthood. He stipulates that the toys given to children prepare them for adult life; dolls prepare girls for motherhood, while videogames enable boys to take on challenges in life. At first glance, the society would be against the view of creating more dolls and video games. As a member of society, I am of the opinion to limit our young ones’ exposure to toys and give them educational material instead, books for example. However, looking deeper into this, stopping the production of toys would translate into children growing up without knowledge of their expected roles. The result would be a generation of people with theoretical knowledge unable to fulfill practical roles. Both Berger and Barthes employ Oulipo as a style in writing their work. It uses unique techniques aimed at inspiring deep thought among its readers. The technique used is known as constrained writing whereby the writer is limited to the use of certain patterns to create an aesthetic effect. The writers have used ordinary items in their stories and leave the reader with the task of deciphering the deeper meaning intended. In the film They Live, the caution given to the society is that things are not always, what they appear to be. When he puts on the special sunglasses, Nada experiences a completely new world; what were previously assumed ordinary men were seen for the aliens they really were. He also discovers other writings in a billboard that previously seemed to advertise only ordinary products. The movie is a reflection of the different viewpoints we may have of the same things. The movie could be a representation of two sides to the same coin. Applying this in real life means that sometimes it is necessary to change our point of view to see things in a different light. In the movie, it is not that the aliens were not visible to the naked human eye. They could be seen, but only as humans. The special sunglasses acquired by Nada are a symbol of a change in perspective that uncovered the guise of the aliens. We are surrounded by common features around us, but until we change our perspective, we will never realize the true beauty or even ugliness of those things. Society is of the view that it is possible to have lasting relationships. In her book, Lispector holds an opposite view. Through the failed relationships she includes in her book, she proposes that relationships are bound to break upon the discovery of some truths. She examines the imperfection of humans as the leading cause of failure and sadness in relationships. Society often chooses to blind itself to others’ faults, and in this, live a phony life. According to her, the only ways to maintain relationships is by recognizing the faults in each other and learn to live with them. Flarf is a type of style use to write poetry, achieved by putting together phrases from different websites. It does not take into account any of the styles applied to poetry, for instance alliteration, rhyming, repetition and others. The meanings of the poems may sometimes be disturbing or funny, depending on the content. However random the poems may appear to be, the writer always has an intention in writing them. It is more of an experimental type of writing than it is formal. In the beginning, it was considered as a poor form of poetry. However, with time, it is gaining recognition as a creative work of art. From Berger’s description of the oil paintings, one of the ways of seeing is through visuals. I have seen people judging the things around them at first sight, proving the power of the visual eye. For example, when I see a man in tattered clothes; my immediate assumption is that he is poor, even though that may not necessarily be the case. The next view held by Barthes is the subconscious mind. He proposes the relationship between now and the future. His idea is that whatever we do now has some correlation to the future. My example in this is when someone is kind to someone; he subconsciously expects the same treatment in return sometime in the future. Lastly, Lispector urges us to open our eyes to the faults of others and ours too. Blinding ourselves to reality will lead to bruising, as she puts it in her book. In today’s society, a good example is alcoholism. Alcoholics more often than not deny that they have a problem, presenting a hindrance to the solution. The biggest step in treating alcoholism is by seeing the problem for what it really is. Denial is not only on the part of the alcoholics but also on their immediate family. Once accepted the problem is treated and in the process, salvaging the relationships that would otherwise be damaged. In summary, the three ways of seeing thins are through the visual eye, the subconscious mind and by acceptance of reality. These views seem independent but ultimately, one view leads to another. Naturally, we first judge things by what we see with our eyes, like the paintings as demonstrated by Berger. What we have seen is then assimilated by the subconscious mind. Our habits, even the most insignificant ones, are driven by what we store in our minds. The final stage is acknowledgement of things, not just for what they appear to be but also for what they really are. Many times, we stop at the second stage if the situation is too grave for us to deal with. However, denying reality will not change a thing. Soulstorm is a book by Clarice Lispector, a Brazilian writer, which was initially written in Portuguese, but later translated into English in 1989. The stories in the book ascertain a world in which women and men are indulged in certain unexpected processes and events that are perfectly natural, but seem to be totally illogical to those who experience them. Though there is nothing special about the characters in the stories, their souls exhibit the turmoil culminating from the awareness of the immutable life truths of solitude, passion, mortality, fear and passion, which cause the constant turbulence in the lives of different human beings (Lispector 150). What the author means by the fact that all the stories in the book are bruising is the fact that all the characters in the stories encounter some sort of turmoil in their souls due to life’s truths that cannot be ignored. Most of the characters in the Soulstorm’s stories are women in their late seventies and eighties. This means that they have gone through life and are aware of the main aspects that make the human life in the world. The individual characters are obsessed with life rather than death but the life they live in is full of bruising experiences that leave them trying to understand the meaning of life. Dona Candida Raposo is the eight-year-old protagonist in the story â€Å"Footsteps†. She is so full of the desire for pleasure such that she decides to go to visit the gynecologist with the aim of identifying the solutions to her pleasure. The gynecologist suggested she finds a young man to meet her desire and when she does that, she experiences â€Å"silent fireworks† (Lispector 48). In the same manner, Maria Angelica de Andrade, the sixty-year-old protagonist of â€Å"But It’s Going to Rain,† decides to take a lover of nineteen years to cater for her desire for pleasure (Lispector 66). In the two cases, Lispector explores the growing pleasures of aging women who should be happy with the fact that even in the eighty and sixty years, they can find happiness in younger lovers. These stories however are not happy but have a bruising effect because the two protagonists view themselves as women mocked by life because to them love and desire at their advanced age is both shameful and ridiculous. Bruising can be reflected through characters that are running from one problem or the other. Sona Maria Rita, the seventy year old protagonist in â€Å"The Departure of the Train,† Sits on the train opposite to thirty year old Angela Pralina. While Sona Maria Rita is running away from her ambitious and cold daughter, Angela is running away from a hyper-rational and intellectual lover. The two form an unspoken relationship on their quest for a sense of self as well as dignity. Their lives might look fulfilled but they are bruising owing to the fact that they cannot find happiness with the people they love. Beautiful Carla the protagonist in â€Å"Plaza Maua,† loses her sense of self through the words of a trusted friend with whom she had built a strong friendship that turned sour. The friend shouts to her, â€Å"You are no woman at all! You do not even know how to fry an egg! And I do!† (Lispector 56) From a reflection on all the stories Soulstorm, Lispector views life and relationships as things that can never bring happiness to different people owing to the fact that the truths of life will never enable a person to have a happy life but it will always bring strife in the way of happiness. Most of the relationships forged in the book do not succeed, which reflects on the fact that Lispector believes that relationships cannot exist as long as the immutable life truths are in existence (Lispector 103). Her worldview is mostly bleak and it does not show some sense of light to hold on to because not all the relationships and lives of her characters succeed but they come to a sad ending. Soulstorm is a book by Clarice Lispector, which contains 29 stories. The first thirteen stories are identified as bruising stories because in all of them, the souls of the characters exhibit the turmoil culminating from the awareness of the immutable life truths of solitude, passion, mortality, fear and passion that cause the constant turbulence in the lives of different human beings. Most of the characters cannot find happiness in the new discoveries they make about life because these new discoveries only bring short-lived happiness while the consequences reflect on the bruising nature of life (Lispector 165). The relationships in the stories do not succeed as they are hindered by certain life truths. In conclusion, though the stories start at a happy and positive mood, they end with a sad and bleak mood owing to the discontentment felt by the characters, hence bringing out the bruising effect identified by Lispector. : Lispector, Clarice. Soulstorm: Stories. New York, NY: New Directions Pub, 1989. Print.

Marketing Management Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marketing Management Plan - Essay Example The beauty of competition in technology is beneficial to consumers, since superb products will be developed, that are efficient and effective in usage. Marketing of Samsung products is guided by the philosophy â€Å"At Samsung, we follow a simple business philosophy: to devote our talent and technology to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society† ("Values & Philosophy†, n,p). Samsung objective is to sell to its consumers quality products that will satisfy their need. Delivering quality products to their customers is a form of marketing that will attract other consumers to Samsung products. Samsung is a renowned brand as far as electronics is concerned. Its products get a warm reception from different clients across the globe. It can be evidenced by its numerous branches in various countries. Being a technological company it has to ensure it meets the expectation of different segment of its clients. The older generation (generation X) may not be interested in the rate at which technology is being advanced, but they will appreciate it later. This generation is totally different with the generation Y and Z. The two generations are techno-driven and will be willing to pay more for any advancement in technology. (Mullins, and Orville, 2013, pg, 89), argued that members of these generations like sophisticated technology. Samsung over the years since its inception in 1969 has invested heavily in the research and development department. Credit has to be given to the Research and Development team for the current position of Samsung in the market. The core marketing objective o f Samsung is to try and entice the Y generation to embrace new technologies. It is because the rate of obsolescence in technology is higher than any other industry. Therefore, it will be a waste of resources producing â€Å"dead† technologies for a small market segment. Samsung headquarter is in Seoul, South Korea, therefore, its immediate customers are

Rising Oil Prices and the Scottish business Essay - 7

Rising Oil Prices and the Scottish business - Essay Example Scotland has a very rich history, and it has played a significant role in bringing in enlightenment to the United Kingdom as modern economics was born from the lush green meadows of Scotland. Over the period of time, Scottish businesses have developed their core competencies and reached to a point where they are significantly contributing towards the economy of the country. An analysis of the Scottish business industry would suggest that it is dominated by heavy industry such as shipbuilding, coal mining and steel industries. This stratification of the industry within the Scottish economy suggest that it is heavily reliant on much larger industries involved mostly into Business 2 Business kind of business transactions therefore key economic variables such as rising prices hardly have the impact on them.  A recent history of oil prices suggests that they are on increasing constantly due to various factors. Many analysts believed that rising demand from China and other emerging marke ts such as Brazil, Russia, and India created a strong increase in prices of oil all over the world. Besides, there are different seasonal patterns in production as well as consumption of oil, therefore, the oil prices tend to increase due to these seasonal patterns as well as strong demand from emerging markets. (IMF).  Further, there is a growing increase into the production of alternative energy sources such as ethanol which is selling at high prices, therefore, the oil prices in the market are also going to replicate that process because alternative products are selling at higher prices. Further, the depreciation of the dollar against major currencies such as the Euro is also considered as one of the major factors behind the increase in oil prices.  These rising oil prices, however, are being considered as a good omen for the Scottish business due to different reasons. The following section will discuss whether rising oil prices are good for Scottish businesses.