Fundamentals of Building Construction The Concrete

What is concrete? Concrete is a composite material used widely in the construction industry. Concrete is basically a mixture of cement, water, aggregates and admixture (sometimes). Cement is a fine gray powder that consists of oxidizes calcium, silicon and aluminum. The aggregate used is normally gravel, crushed stone or sand. Admixture is a solid or liquid substance that gives a certain characteristics of the concrete. The cement reacts with water chemically and binds the aggregates together through a process called hydration during hardening or curing of concrete. It means that water helps in the hardening of the concrete while the cement bind the aggregate and also react with water to form a solid mass. Concrete is one of the most†¦show more content†¦Pre-stressed concrete is a solid structure whereby stretched reinforcement bars surrounded by concrete. The purpose is to increase the capability of the beam to carry a much greater load with the same amount of concrete and reinforced bars. Ready-mix concrete is a concrete that is manufactured in a factory. The quality of ready-mix concrete is ensured because the concrete has been graded. Precast concrete is a concrete structure that is manufactured in a factory. The precast concrete will be transported to a construction site. Precast concrete saves man power, therefore less workers are needed in the construction site. It also saves time and cost, thus the construction can be constructed in time. Precast concrete has also a better quality comparing to site cast concrete structure. Terrazzo is a flooring material made by grinding and polishing a concrete. The concrete consists of chips of marble or granite in different size and color. Terrazzo often used as decorative flooring patterns because it has various color and texture. Urbanite is used to refer to pieces of concrete from demolition sites. It can be used to create a walkway by recycling the concrete pieces. Reinforced Concrete Basically, reinforced concrete is a type of concrete in which metal bars or wire is embedded to increase itsShow MoreRelatedArchitecture And Modern Architecture749 Words   |  3 Pageshave homes and can survive. It is interesting to consider that architecture began in the Crude Ages. Within architecture, buildings must have to main types of structures. Modern architecture is a type of architecture that focuses more of aesthetics than on function. In order to understand this topic, it is first necessary to know about architecture’s history, the fundamentals of architecture, and the modern aspect of architecture. 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If I Caught Your Attention - 1386 Words

If I caught your attention, then the title of this article has fulfilled its intended purpose. The truth is, the worst thing that could happen to you for submitting a less-than-desirable resume is not being slapped, but rather not landing a job. Most career hopefuls, however, would fear the former over the latter, thus, making the exaggerated scenario even more of an anecdote. In other words, the applicant would sacrifice a long-term reward for a short-term discomfort. For this reason, the majority of resumes are cast into the fiery furnace never to be seen again. I get it. It s not that you don t care. In your haste to land the dream job, however, you neglect to carefully craft the very document that would bestow upon you the†¦show more content†¦Yes, the problem is worse than it seems. Your Keywords are Boring. In the world of resume writing, keywords have become buzzwords, and buzzwords have become overkill, thus losing their value and draining your resume of any real depth. This ego-crushing assertion is particularly the case if what you ve written is not reflected in the quality of your penmanship. For instance, I ve seen job applicants list attention to detail as a professional characteristic only to shoot themselves in the foot by misspelling their name, getting their alma mater wrong, or failing to do something as simple as lining up bullet points. I ve witnessed horrific examples of aspirants who claimed to be hard workers, but apparently put zero effort into their resume. Then there are the appellants who try to convince me how self-motivated they are by whipping up what is obviously a five-minute failed concoction of experience, skill, and so-called education. These are the perpetrators who, without realizing it, stamp themselves as cheats and liars. If you think that my labeling t hese fiendish petitioners is harsh, then try reading their resumes. That s the real torture. 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Dante’s Allegory of Love in the Divine Comedy Free Essays

The Meaning of Love through the works of Dante Lighter Devon Strand-Brown â€Å"O all ye whose intellects are sound, Look now and see the meaning that is hidden Beneath the veil that covers my strange verses:† (Inferno 9:61) Dante Lighter is indisputably the most famous Italian poet in history. His seminal work, The Divine Comedy still inspires 700 years after its writing, and has not yet yielded all of its secrets, though it is one of the most widely studied works ever to be written. The name â€Å"Dante† and that of The Divine Comedy are known the world over, but what of the man Dante? What of the allegory beneath his verses? The history of the Divine Poet, his life, his love and the mysteries of his great achievements are known to relatively few, compared to the number of people who have read the Comedy. We will write a custom essay sample on Dante’s Allegory of Love in the Divine Comedy or any similar topic only for you Order Now My purpose here to open those doors to you, to give a taste of the lessons and mysteries of Dent’s work, to give a glimpse of a man, famous in his time and forevermore, and to recount the greatest tale of Love ever told. His definition of love may be the most potent and intricate definition ever described, told through four separate levels of allegory, culminating in the rise of the universal goal of Love itself. The Man â€Å"In that book which is my memory, On the first page of the chapter that is the day when I first met you, Appear the words, ‘Here begins a new life’. † (Volta) Dante was born in 1265, though the month is not known. His given name was Du- ranted Delhi Lighter, Dante being a shortened version which he himself, and subsequent -?2-? writers and translators would adopt. His family name Lighter comes form the Latin word ‘aligner’, which can be translated to â€Å"winged. † Though it came from his father, it was originally passed from a mother, Algeria Loudhailer -? wife of Guidance Elise’, founder of Florence -? to her son. Thus Dante can trace his lineage directly back to he founders of his beloved Florence. The root meaning of Durance (and Dante) is more obvious, enduring, as names were of the most importance in those days. Dante would be happy to know that he has far surpassed the destiny of an enduring name. His father was a man of finance, buying and selling property as well as lending money, something Dante later disapproved of and which found its way into his Inferno. His mother was also from a well respected Florentine family, the Bait. Her father Durance (whom Dante was named after) was a Judge at the time. Much of the Poet’s history we can find in the Comedy because although it is the story of his enlightenment, it also tells the tale of his past. We see this with his mother, whom we find in the circle of violence in Inferno, for she committed suicide while Dante was still very young, somewhere between 1270 and 1275. After his mother’s death, his father soon remarried and had two more children. It seems Dante had a good relationship with these siblings as he refers affectionately to a sister who visits him while he is sick in â€Å"La Vita Nova. These references require that I move ahead, to describe the works of Dante for it is especially through them that we learn so much of the man. I shall discuss The Divine Comedy at greater length in a future section. But as an overview it is the tale of Dent’s Journey through Inferno, rising up through Purgatory, then finally moving through Paradise, guided -?3-? by his beloved Beatrice, with his pilgrimage ending with the vision of God. The other work that I shall mention often is â€Å"la Vita Nova†, The New Life, which is a compilation of poems, sonnets and stories from throughout his life. It particularly focuses on his love for Beatrice which pervaded his life from the age of nine until he died at fifty-six. At this time Florence was a burgeoning hub of trade and culture, becoming one f the richest and most powerful cities in Italy, and even in Eastern Europe. However the city was divided along many lines; there was a split between the populace and the gentry, yet also among the gentry. The largest of these rifts was that between the Gullah, whom Dante supported, and the Gibberellins. Once the Gibberellins were expelled from Florence another divide occurred; Between the Black Gullets, those who supported the Papacy, and the white Gullets, who wished for more autonomy from Rome. With the support of Pope Boniface the Black Gullets took control of Florence, destroying many White Gullah homes and exiling Dante. If he were ever to return to his beloved Florence to â€Å"worship at his baptismal fount† he would suffer death by burning. Following his exile, Dante wandered from city to city. Reigniting his intellectual spirit in Bologna and moving as far field as Paris. Finally he settled in Raven, a small city not far from Florence. It is during this time that it is believed that be began his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy. It was completed Just prior to his death, sometime between 1318 and 1321. The final Canto of Paradise was said to be lost for months following Dent’s death, until in a dream, one of Dent’s sons saw his father ho showed his where the final pages were hidden. His son, Pitter, searched for the pages and found them Just where -?4-? his father had indicated, and so, Just as a dream had begun the Comedy, a dream completed it. The Divine Comedy tells the tale of the Poet, Dante, and his Journey down into Inferno, up mount Purgatory and into Paradise where â€Å"the Love that moved the sun and the other stars† is finally revealed to him. It is divided into three canticles, Inferno, Purgatorial and Paradise. Each canticle is then further divided into 33 cantos, similar to chapters, except for Inferno which has a single introductory canto bringing he total to 100. Each canto is further split into three line sections, each line with a precise 11 syllables. This story fictively occurs in the year 1300 and Dante is faithful to this date, only including people who had died before 1300 in any level of the Comedy , though often referencing those who are still living. Inferno, the first volume, is by far the most famous and widely read of the three. It begins: â€Å"Midway upon the Journey of our life. † Simply this first line gives premise to the Comedy being both a literal Journey through the levels of the earth but also a curative voyage through the life of a person, in this case Dante, though it can be expanded to include a more universal version of life. Through inferno Dante is guided by another great poet, Virgil, who, because he is a virtuous infidel has been confined to neutrality, the first level of hell. But who has been tasked by Beatrice to guide Dante down through Hell and up Mount Purgatory. Their Journey through Hell takes them down through all nine levels, on each level pausing to watch the punishment of the shades and sometimes speak to them, talking of their crimes or of the goings on of the living world. Finally in the lowest -?5-? bevel -?Judea, reserved for the traitors-? gravity reverses and they climb back out of the pit of inferno to once more observe the stars. At the base of Mount Purgatory seven As are inscribed on Dent’s forehead. Each standing for Peculate or sin in Latin. As they pass through each of the seven levels of purgatory, each P is purged from his forehead. For Purgatory is not a place of perpetuity as many believe; it is a place of purging sins as its name suggests. Virgil continues as his guide and offers advice and answers to his questions along the way. However on questions of faith he defers to Beatrice, asking Dante to await her for his answer. At the peak of Purgatory is the Garden of Eden, earthly paradise. Here in paradise Dante is in awe of the heavens above him, while Virgil is reserved and distant. Dante turns away from his guide to gaze at four bright stars above him and when he looks back Virgil is gone. In his place stands Beatrice. From the Gardens of Eden Beatrice leads Dante into Paradise, the nine circles of heaven. In each of these circles Dante speaks with different figures, Roman Emperors, Saints and Apostles prominent among them. And Just as Virgil taught Dante of life and the plight of souls in Inferno and Purgatory, so Beatrice teaches him of divinity, irate and all the levels of beatitude. One of the people he meets is his great great grand-father Guidance, who tasks him to compose a poem which â€Å"puts aside all falsehood. † He agrees, and is also tested by the apostles Peter, James and John before his can enter the Empyrean, the highest level of Heaven. It is here in the amphitheater of the Empyrean that Dent’s Journey reaches is culmination with his rapturous vision of God. -?6_ â€Å"But my own wings were not enough for this, Had it not been that then my mind there smote A flash of lightning, wherein came its wish. (Paradise 33:139) Dante and Love But now was turning my desire and will, Even as a wheel that equally moved, The Love that moves the sun and the other stars. † (Paradise 33:142) Perhaps it is a sad testament to the human race, that the greatest love stories are those of unrequited love. Mark Antonym and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet, Dante and his Beatrice. Dante first glimpsed Beatrice at the age of nine. Of that sight he says, â₠¬Å"At that moment, I say most truly that the spirit of life, hath its dwelling in the secretes chamber of the heart† (Nova). He goes on, describing her as a deity, as something other than a worldly woman. From that moment onward his life was drastically changed. â€Å"l say that, from that time forward, Love quite governed my soul† (Nova). His love was torrential, yet when he saw her he kept it in check. For nine years after that first sight they never spoke. He would watch her in her family’s small church of Santa Margarita, sitting some ten feet behind her, imagining her as an image of perfection, but never speaking. It is difficult to imagine such love with so little contact. He was enamored with her but also with his imagination of her. It was not until nine years later to the day,that a word was exchanged between hem. While passing in the street, Beatrice â€Å"by her unspeakable courtesy’ greeted him. He -?7-? remembers she was dressed all in white, unlike the red he first saw her in, white being the color of virginity and divinity. In each of his earthly visions of her, she is described using images and words normally reserved for Christ or God himself. Dante was taken by the sound of her voice: â€Å"For she doth make my veins and pulses tremble. He went directly home and fell asleep and dreamed that Love came to him. Throughout the Vita Nova, Love comes to Dante, taking a different human form each mime, and speaks to him, offering advice and admonitions. Love appears to him multiple times and each time represents a shift in Dent’s interactions with Beatrice. Dante makes the mistakes of many lovers as he is so overcome by Beatrice. In an attempt to hide the true object of his love, he begins to use what he calls a â€Å"screen- lady,† a woman toward whom he outwardly directs his attentions so as to divert attention from Beatrice. This obviously backfires and Beatrice, as they pass again in the street, withholds her greeting. Dante is grief-stricken and, following another vision of love decides to write directly to her. These poems and sonnets received praise in Florence, and were read around the city in small poetry readings, increasing Dent’s stature as a great writer even in his time. However life for Dante soon takes another enormous turn, with the death of Be- iatric. She is said to have died in June, 1290, a date with â€Å"the perfect number nine† having been completed â€Å"nine times† according to the Syrian Calendar. (Lewis). Dante is so overcome that he cannot put words to the event. After compiling the Volta Nova he resolves not to write of Beatrice again, until he can â€Å"say of her what was never said of any other -?8-? Oman. † It is from this wish that springs the greatest tribute to human love ever created, La Comedic. In Dent’s Journey Beatrice is his primary guide. Though Virgil guides him through two levels of the afterlife, it is Beatrice who sent Virgil to assist Dante and Beatrice whom he follows through paradise and Beatrice who teaches him the most of love. She acts as a personal representation of Christ. We can see this in many aspects of Dent’s description of her -? her appearance, the events around her and her relation to the number nine. The number nine can be seen as a reference to the divinity of he holy trinity, and it is used in reference to Beatrice to reinforce her power as Dent’s connection to the divine. In the ninth canto of both Inferno and Purgatory Dante enters the city of Dish and then the Gates of Purgatory -? the two most significant entrances in their respective canticles. Yet in Paradise, in the ninth canto, Dante passes from the circles of Venus unto the level of the sun. This may seem insignificant yet it signifies the passage from earth to heaven. It is not until the level of the sun that all earthly woes and pains are stripped away. This ninth canto is significant as it also demonstrates the divinity of the number, yet interestingly it also illustrates the divinity of love as it is in this canto that Dante meets three great lovers; a mistress, a bishop and a harlot. Not exactly the lovers you would expect, but these references, as well as their relations to nine and their positions in paradise, serve to highlight the significance of human love in order to ascend further into heaven. This is Beatrice role, as she serves both as the object of human love and the transcendent divine guide. Other parallels between Beatrice and Christ can also be drawn-? one being her -?9-? appearance in heaven, she is proceeded by Giovanni Primeval, as Christ was similarly proceeded by John the Baptist. Here we can see Dent’s literary playfulness with â€Å"Giovanni† as a feminine version of John and Primeval as an anagram meaning â€Å"Prima Vera† which literally translates to â€Å"will come first. † Beatrice also descends to Inferno to summon Virgil as Christ did to bring salvation to humanity, Virgil will be Dent’s personal salvation. Dante even recognizes this in Paradise 30:80 saying â€Å"Who deigned for my salvation to leave your footprints in Hell. † Lansing also points out a parallel between the names of Christ and Beatrice: The reference to her nickname, â€Å"Vice,† in Paradise is a way which must evoke the abbreviations of Christ in manuscripts: â€Å"Be† (beat, â€Å"blessed†) and â€Å"ice† (ICC=less Crisis=Jesus Christ. )† Despite her obvious divinity, Beatrice is also a physical woman, as we see in the Volta Nova, who inspires love and desire in Dante. Thus she fills both roles, as the method of divine salvation and also as the guide to human love. Both of which together create natural love, something I will go into greater detail about at a later point. Dante strives, however, to remove any sexual attraction to Beatrice both for the deader and for himself. And for the most part he is successful. By removing her erotic nature in his writing, he reclaims some power from her. As we see in the Vita Nova, she holds great power over him; she has the power to send him into fits of worry or anguish, simply with a laugh or refused look. In De-redirecting her, we see Dent’s attempt to retain his own power over human love, while relinquishing his power over natural love, allow-? 10 -? inning her to guide and teach him of its natural flow. As both the Comedy and the Nova are little more than an homage to Beatrice, it is interesting to see that Dante toeholds this one form of power from her, that of sexual power. It could very well be that he is attempting to protect either himself or Beatrice from the sin of lust, yet we also find a seductress and a harlot in heaven, who further inform Dante on love. It may also be the case that Dante is protecting himself from the worldly effects of Beatrice. The vast majority of his writings about her are of his perception, his fantasy of her. Their physical contact was negligible and by removing the sexual discourse between them, the Beatrice of Dent’s pages is fully from inside the Poet. The Beatrice we know is Dent’s fantasy, a character within his own character. It is her spirit, not her body, that guides Dante. Dante may also shrug off this worldly influence because he has a further lord, one to whom he answers whole-heartedly, and for whom Beatrice is the perfect guide. That lord speaks to him in the third chapter of the Vita Nova saying â€Å"I am your lord. † That lord is Love. Allegory The term allegory literally means the â€Å"hidden meaning†, it derives from Greek â€Å"al- SIS† (other) and â€Å"Georgia† (speaking), â€Å"other speaking. † The Divine Comedy is rife with it. Each canto is filled with political moral and divine statements. Allegory takes four forms in The Divine Comedy modeled after biblical exegesis (interpretation of biblical style); Literal (historical), Allegorical (Typographical) , Moral and Angelical. These four forms follow the interpretation of scripture in the Middle Ages. In scripture, the historical meaning is -? 11 what is described as fact. It encompasses the people, places and events represented and shows them historically as things that have occurred. The second meaning (the Allegorical/ Typographical) is that of personification and representation, a person may represent a sin or a virtue. The moral meaning in the scripture is literally represented by Christ. â€Å"So far as the things done in Christ, or so far as the things which signify Christ, are types of what we ought to do, there is the moral sense. † (Aquinas). The final meaning, the angelical is the hardest to pin down. This is because it is the broadest of the terms; it is the meaning which expands outwards and offers what the writer or reader considers an â€Å"eternal† meaning. The angelical represents the realm of the Gods, thus making it eternal, â€Å"But so far as they signify what relates to eternal glory, there is the angelical sense. † (Aquinas) Neither the bible nor The Divine Comedy possess all four of these elements at all times however. Writing is often adorned with â€Å"historical buttresses and adornments†, events that hold no further meaning than the literal. Different verses and cantos hold some of these meanings, some are personified in particular figures, others can only be found by evaluating the entire trajectory of the Comedy. These four meanings overlap, come and go, are sometimes clearly visible and some are lost forever in the annals of time. Other than the historical, the allegorical (typological) is the most prevalent form of meaning throughout the Comedy. Because all allegory is dependent on interpretation, the meanings put forth here are those that I deem to be correct, although there are likely other interpretations or even contrary views. As Dante followed many of the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, the following is the most prevalent definition for the typographical (allegorical) meaning in -? 12 -? the Comedy: â€Å"Whereas in every other science things are signified by words, this science has the property that the things signified by the words have themselves also signification† (Aquinas). This is the definition Dante would have followed in instructing his own allegory. Dante borrows heavily from Thomas Aquinas and Aquinas’ Theological for his moor- al theory and view of God, theology and use of allegory. As far as the view of God, Thomas Aquinas believed that there are two apices of any object or subject (their existence and their essence), except for God. Aquinas preaches God as simplicity. God is simply essence, for his/her/its existence is its essence. This essence to Dante is Love; all other objects are not independent of love and thus God, who is the representation of pure love, is the only individual being in existence. â€Å"God is identical tit Just one in- divisible thing, but that one thing has different effects and appearances† (Stump). Dante also enumerates the importance of each level of meaning, saying in his work Conviction, â€Å"l shall always first discourse upon the literal meaning of each cannoned, and after that I shall discourse upon its allegory, that is, the hidden truth; and I shall sometimes incidentally touch upon the other senses (angelical), as the place and the time make appropriate. † This leads us to believe that the historical (literal) meaning is the most important, followed by the allegorical. The angelical seems to e a natural uprising of this discourse of both the literal and the allegorical. The moral finds its way into the literal meanings as well, since Christ is synonymous with morality, and the bible and Beatrice are taken as fact. Throughout the Comedy, Beatrice and her compatriots teach Dante many -? 13 -? things, most of these may be interpreted as the moral allegory. What must also be understood is that the literal meaning will always be present, and for the most part the allegorical will be also. But that Allegory will take one or more of its three forms, typographical/allegorical, moral or angelical. He gives an example of this four-fold allegory in a letter sent to Gangrened of Verona. The Allegory of Love â€Å"Love, which pardons no beloved from loving, took me so strongly with delight in him That, as you see, it still abandons me not†¦ † (Nova) As we begin to look at the many meanings of love in The Divine Comedy, the three literal forms we shall examine are 1) love as an emotion, 2) love as Beatrice, and 3) Love as a figure and as God. First let us examine Dent’s belief of love. For Dante, love was the driving force of the universe. It causes souls to rise to heaven or fall into hell. It literally set the stars in motion. All sinners and all saints had their actions based in love, for better or for worse. Love causes all movement in the universe, whether for the sinners to ascend because of love for God or for the blessed to descend in order to save a soul. Just as Beatrice descends to bring Dante to the Empyrean, it also causes the angels to move in their circles around God, thus creating the movement of the heavens. However, love also has a darker side. According to Dante, love is also the root of sin. He takes this view from William Perusals’ analysis of the Sustaining Sins; Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice, Gluttony and Lust. These sins can be divided into three cat- Georges according to love; insufficient, disordered and excessive. Insufficient love takes the form of sloth, disordered love manifests in pride, new and wrath (as these three are misguidedly directed at an external object), and love in excess creates avarice, gluttony and lust. These are all forms of what Virgil distinguishes for Dante as rational love, separate from natural love which I shall discuss at greater length later. Rational love takes many forms, both positive and negative. If unbalanced or per- averted, it is the basis of all sin, but it is also that which leads Dante towards natural eve. Dent’s earthly love for Beatrice could be described as courtly love, a popular subject of the times. Courtly love can be defined as desire and longing for someone, and personal suffering by loving this person† (Du France). This definition as we can see applies perfectly to Dent’s relations to Beatrice. It is this earthly relationship that begins Dante on his path to salvation and enlightenment, thus it is this form of rational love that sets Dante on his path. At the beginning of The Divine Comedy, the Pilgrim believes this love for Beatrice is pure and correct. Yet through his discussions tit Francesca De Riming, and then Virgin’s discourse on love in purgatory, Dante begins to doubt his assertion. Finally upon his meeting with Beatrice in Paradise he repents for the earthly love he paid her and accepts the purity of natural love, the love that will guide him through paradise unto the Empyrean. Natural love was considered by Dante to be the love of and for God. It is the pure force which motivates the universe and binds it together. It is the purest form of this love that Dante is striving for throughout the Comedy. Through hell and purgatory, he is strip-? 15-? inning away the sins and tarnishing of sin, and in paradise he is being prepared, level by level, by Beatrice, for the experience of Pure Love. Virgil, who has not entered heaven and has thus not experienced natural love, can only describe to Dante human love and the perverted shapes it takes in sin. The constant motion of natural love is moving toward a goal; that goal is the attainment of the realization of place and of perfection for every object and creature in the world. â€Å"As the specific capacity of anything is actualities by being exercised, the nature of that thing is progressively completed or perfected, according to Aquinas† (Stump). It is by loving and being love that this process is perpetuated and thus moves closer and closer to a perfect equilibrium. This ultimate beatitude is inconceivable to the human mind, however, and thus we give it a humanly understandable form, that of God. Yet Dante is very careful not to name God as the center of the Empyrean; the highest level of heaven is occupied by Love. Virgil describes how love takes three stages to develop. The process begins with awareness of another object or person. This perception is offered to the soul to Judge whether this object is beautiful and shall bring happiness. If it is deemed good, then eve develops and takes the form of an inclination or attraction toward that object. Until love develops, the force driving this process is human will and it is thus that love can be misguided, as the will can make mistakes and lead an individual toward sin. If we take love as the attractive force that moves the universe, then the ultimate goal of life is also love, but love in equilibrium. This is why perverted, insufficient and excessive love are sins, for it is balanced love, natural love that we are striving toward. We cannot, however, achieve union with natural love simply by following others’ How to cite Dante’s Allegory of Love in the Divine Comedy, Papers

Transpotation and Ditribution Management Influence of Globalization

Question: Describe about the Transpotation and Ditribution Management for Influence of Globalization. Answer: Introduction: With the increasing influence of globalization and increase in competition in the market, the transport management system has experienced an increasing significance in the organizational activities. Products are transported among diverse locations in different stages in a supply chain system in an organization. As a result, there is an increasing need for prompt and effective transportation system in business organizations. As a transport manager of Mc Donalds Inc. the leading fast food and quick service restaurant business organization globally, the following report is conducted with the aim to analyse the effectiveness the three crucial aspects of transportation management, namely, Incoterms Consideration Selections, Carrier Selection Criteria, and Carrier Relationship management. McDonalds is the worlds leading fast food restaurant with annual turnover of $28.11 billion in 2013 (Mcdonalds.com, 2016). It is also the second largest employer with an approximate strength of workforce of 420,000. It is present in 118 countries with total number of 36,525 stores (Mcdonalds.com, 2016). Popular McDonalds products that are sold everyday globally are BigMac, McNuggets, Fried Potatoes, Egg McMuffins, and Cheeseburger, Ham Burger, etc. McDonalds has strategically changed its products according to local customs and tastes like in Singapore, McDonalds has introduced Delight 500 Lunch/ Dinner which is unique in Sin gapore only. Although it is not the first in the business model but it is the leading one and that what make MC Donalds unique. McDonalds is dedicated towards its customers in providing fresh and hygienic fast food and this only possible through trust and consistency in its transportation and logistics services. Thus, Transportation System is an incorporating role which organizes and optimizes all logistic services, together with promotion, sales, manufacturing, and funding and information technology (Litman, 2011). As the market leader, McDonalds has global competitors like, Star Bucks, KFC, Dominos, Subway, etc as well as on local levels also. Incoterms Consideration Selection: With the influence of globalization, business organizations are becoming multinational so there was an urgent need for global trade terms for domestic as well as international trade agreements in accordance to international trade law (Hein, et al. 2009). Incoterms Consideration Selection can be explained as a set of rules and regulations which are preset by International Chamber of Commerce which is associated with international commercial law. International commercial law is a set of authorized policy, principles, agreements, domestic legislation and business behaviour that manage and evaluate the international business operations (Bowersox, et al. 2002). It is basically a safe transaction agreement between globally diverse clients. There are widely thirteen commercial rules that are globally accepted in transfer of price and responsibility among the buyer and seller. They are: Cost and Freight, Delivered at Terminal, Delivered Duty Paid, Ex works, Free Alongside Ship, Free On Board , Cost Insurance and Freight, Delivery at Place, Free Carrier, Carriage Paid and insurance paid to, and Carriage Paid to (Incoterms Guide - Freight Filter, 2016). This was an initiative to make an equilibrium among the different local trade and commerce rules and regulations which could be difficult for a multinational organization to understand in 1939 and last revised in 2010 (Mun, 2002). Incoterms Selection at McDonalds: McDonalds is a multinational fast food business organization with existence in 118 countries globally. As fast food restaurants the main concern is food and service quality that is provided to the customers. Now, different country has different trade and commence rules and regulations that McDonalds need to follow. For instance, in Singapore, McDonalds is compulsory to obey with many Singapores rules and trade laws, covering Food Hygiene Standards, Legislative and regulatory Environment acts and appropriate licenses in Singapore. And management takes suitable steps to make sure that it covers with all applicable legislative rules and regulations. To meet the food safety and hygiene McDonalds receive its food resources from local suppliers on daily basis. McDonalds supply its raw materials through its own effective transportation system. The transportation supply chain management system of McDonalds is globally spread and the management has adapted a push and pull based supply chain a nd point of sale information transfer supervises the supply chain system. It mainly goes through three levels before finally serving the customer. Firstly, the indirectly suppliers, who primarily produces and processes the raw food materials like wheat or raise cattle. The indirectly supply the raw food materials to the direct suppliers or the distribution centres who then organizes and harmonizes the distribution systems in the restaurants. It is in the distribution centres, final food products like meat patties, buns, etc are produces before delivering it to the restaurants. Then according to the demand food materials are supplied to the restaurant on daily basis where trained staff arranges foods according to customer demand and needs. McDonalds follow an inbound logistics for the movement of raw materials and suppliers into storage facilities. The transportation system of McDonalds is entirely outsourced and about 80% of the movement of raw materials are done in refrigerated tru cks. Keeping in mind, the kind of business that McDonalds conduct and its resource transportation through road ways, the management should adopt the EXW, DAT and DDP Incoterms for managing its carrier relationship management. Carrier Selection Criteria: For cost cutting activity and for bringing effectiveness in the supply chain system, most of the logistics and transportation operations are outsources (Stock, Lambert, 2001). The management and resource allocation of raw materials is an essential part of transportation system. To have an effective supply chain solution it is important for business organization to choose an effective carrier system. To influence prospect in rising markets, the management of McDonalds are focusing on combining and lining up the transportation management communications, methods and actions to decrease expenditure and develop effectiveness. The transportation management system is an integral part and it wires the on the whole business strategy (Tambo, 2012). The business goal of McDonalds is to meet up consumers requirements at the same time as maintaining minimum pricing strategy and McDonalds facility on lean strategy, i.e. they does not cook until the customer place a order and once a order is place d they assemble the whole process and they serve the customer freshly cooked food within a limited period of time. As stated earlier McDonalds does not have own transportation system and have fully outsourced the transportation system to the third party. This strategy was adopted so that they can take advantage of the efficiency and experienced specialist taking care of the logistics on the other hand McDonalds can concentrate more on other core business operations like customer service, food quality control, hygiene etc. The management of McDonalds mainly goes for a contract or partnership with other logistics business organizations that are responsible for effective functioning of transportation system like buying of material, material management and many of the other functions of logistics. This process is known as contract logistics. McDonalds has collaborated with Keystone Distribution UK which is responsible for manufacturing, processing and distribution of food resources in McDonalds restaurants mostly in Asia, Europe and America. The first partnership was formed in 1977 for baking hamburger bun and ever since the collaboration is growing strong. In 2011, Keystone Distribution was awarded the Performance Supplier of the year. They have been supplying every food resources that are required to run a successful McDonalds restaurant. They supply from ketchups, fresh foods, frozen foods, meats, etc to McDonalds restaurants. Other than these McDonalds has to compact with diverse suppliers for their d ifferent products as the business objective of McDonalds is to provide fresh and hygienic fast food products according to customer needs in affordable price. Soft drink producers and brands like Coca-Cola, Tropicana, etc collaborate with McDonalds who form the second tier suppliers, as they supply key materials to Keystone distribution, which is the first tire suppler of McDonalds and is responsible for McDonalds food resources supplies. For meat food resources, McDonalds has collaborated with Sun Valley, Ecsa and Moy Park who also acts as second tier suppliers. Thus we can say that Keystone Distribution is a key player in transportation and logistics activities and McDonalds is fully dependent on them. This has resulted in McDonalds complete dependency on its supply partners but on the flip side, McDonalds does not have to invest heavily on transportation and logistics management. The Keystone uses transport systems that are dedicated task force of refrigerated trucks to McDonalds distribution points. Multi temperate and single temperate logistics trucks then transport the food materials quickly to McDonalds restaurants as per the demand . A distribution point generally covers a large area, so it is responsible for multiple Mc restaurants at a same time. Carrier Relationship management: The logistic necessity has enhanced to serve consumers with more quick and swift efficient customer service facilities (Belenky, 2013). A good carrier relationship management generates value by means of time and location, so good transportation and logistics management can be understood as the actions that add value in the process of supply chain (Paul, 2011). This can help an organization to increase revenue profit and potential profit control as it significantly saves time and money and facilitates in sales volume. Thus smooth the progress of organizational effectiveness. Carrier relationship management can face some challenges and they are- Transport capacity shortage and unskilled labour force in the transport and logistics systems can delay delivery system at right time and right place (Schnsleben, 2016). McDonalds Carrier Relationship management is based on several factors which are directly related to the organizations objective. The factors that affect the carrier relationship management in McDonalds are Area Transit time, Reliability of on-time pickup and delivery, Techniquel capability or skills to share information, Equipment availability and capacity, product protection or carriers freight damage experience, financial stability of the Carriers and Freight rates. Business organizations like McDonalds programs globally, so they have to maintain a reliable transportation and logistics system globally which can be some cumbersome task to maintain. Also, the rising concerns in terrorism activities can also become hindrance for an effective carrier transportation system. To fight with the above challenges it is important for business organizations to give significant importance towards Carrier relationship management (Christopher, 2016). It is a process of adjusting business performa nce by improving carrier partners. As a transport manager I understand how our carrier partners web the different organizational operations to serve our customers. Without customers, organizations will fail to provide proper importance to the carrier partner. As the business objective of McDonalds is to provide fresh and hygienic food products at affordable price, this can only be achieved only when all the organizational activities perform in harmony and transportation being an integral part of the system for delivering fresh food products on daily basis cannot be ignored. As, the McDonalds have fixed suppliers so there is a little chance for the management to bargain the Freight rates, with its suppliers. Recommendations: As a transport manager of McDonalds the following are the recommendations that I would like to state to bring effectiveness in Carrier Relationship management system in McDonalds and I believe that implementing the following measures in the Carrier Relationship management will improve the supply chain management system of the organization. They are as follows: Settle contracts value with our carrier partners, as well as enthusiastic lane rates for them. Discussing and developing more cost cutting measures to implement in the logistic system with our carrier partners (Ballou, 2007). Continuing long-term, sustainable associations along with the carrier partners to healthier bring into line McDonalds business objective, customer needs and Keystones objective to facilitate maintain to provide the most excellent alternative for supply chain management (Stein, Sloane, 2003). As a transport manager we have to proactively function along with carrier partners more willingly than merely assisting them when situation demands or at the time of renewal of contracts or to discuss new freight rates. We should provide special training and development programs for the employees who are directly related in the transportation process to improve their skills and abilities (Rushton, et al. 2014). This will not only bring effectiveness in the system but also will increase engagement among the participants. Conclusion: In the above study, we have discussed about the importance of transportation and logistics systems in the contemporary business organizations and how it has become an integral part of business operations. As a transport manager of Mc Donalds Inc., the above report was conducted with the aim to analyse the effectiveness the three crucial aspects of transportation management, namely, Incoterms Consideration Selections, Carrier Selection Criteria, and Carrier Relationship management. In the report we have discussed about how McDonalds has chosen to outsource its logistic systems to third part for reducing organizational cost on transportation systems and focus on the other organizational operations like customer satisfaction and hygiene in the restaurants. There are mainly two tires of suppliers in McDonalds, the first tier supplier is Key Distributions who receive direct food materials from second tier suppliers like Sun Valley, Ecsa and Moy Park and process them and distribute accordi ng to needs. We have also discussed about how McDonalds has bring effectiveness with its suppliers. But it lacks it control over transportation and logistics systems and solely dependent on Key Distributions. So, in conclusion I have discussed and suggested recommendations about how McDonalds can build-up a strong and long term relationship with its key carrier partners. Reference: Ballou, R. H. (2007).Business logistics/supply chain management: planning, organizing, and controlling the supply chain. Pearson Education India. Belenky, A. S. (2013).Operations research in transportation systems: ideas and schemes of optimization methods for strategic planning and operations management(Vol. 20). Springer Science Business Media. Bowersox, D. J., Closs, D. J., Cooper, M. B. (2002).Supply chain logistics management(Vol. 2). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Christopher, M. (2016).Logistics supply chain management. Pearson Higher Ed. Ganeshan, R., Harrison, T. P. (1995). An introduction to supply chain management.Department of management sciences and information systems,303. Hein, N., Laporte, G., Roy, J. (2009). Business environment factors, incoterms selection and export performance.Operations and Supply Chain Management,2(2), 63-78. Incoterms Guide - Freight Filter, (2016). Incoterms Guide - Freight Filter. [online] Freight Filter. Available at: https://freightfilter.com/incoterms-guide/ [Accessed 10 Nov. 2016]. Litman, T. (2011). Introduction to multi-modal transportation planning.Victoria Transport Policy Institute,15. Mcdonalds.com, V. (2016). Our Values and Sustainability Efforts | McDonald's. Mcdonalds.com. Retrieved 3 November 2016, from https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/values-in-action.html Mcdonalds.com,. (2016). Our History and Timeline | McDonald's. Mcdonalds.com. Retrieved 3 November 2016, from https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/our-history.html Mun, J. (2002).Real options analysis: Tools and techniques for valuing strategic investments and decisions(Vol. 137). John Wiley Sons. Paul, A. (2011).Centrality in Strategic Transportation Network Design: An Application to Less-than-truckload Networks. Klner Wissenschaftsverlag. Rushton, A., Croucher, P., Baker, P. (2014).The handbook of logistics and distribution management: Understanding the supply chain. Kogan Page Publishers. Schnsleben, P. (2016).Integral logistics management: Operations and supply chain management within and across companies. CRC Press. Stein, K. E., Sloane, R. K. (2003).Using customer needs to drive transportation decisions(Vol. 487). Transportation Research Board. Stock, J. R., Lambert, D. M. (2001).Strategic logistics management(Vol. 4). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Tambo, T. (2012). Strategic logistics service provider selection influenced by relationships, cost and market dynamics-a multi-factorial case study. InProceedings of the 4th International Conference on Information Systems, Logistics and Supply Chain.

Alzheimers disease essays

Alzheimers disease essays Alzheimers Disease Alzheimers Disease (AD) is a progressive, degenerative disease that damages the memory, thinking and behavior in someone. The person with AD may experience confusion, personality and behavior changes, damage the decision making in someone, and difficulty thinking of words, finishing thoughts or following directions. It eventually leaves the person unable of caring for himself or herself. The nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls memory, thinking, are damaged, stopping the passage of messages between cells. The cells develop typical changes that are called neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The cortex of the brain shrinks; the spaces in the center of the brain become bigger, also reducing surface area in the brain. Alzheimer's Disease is a, which leads to loss of brain capacity. Symptoms usually occur in older adults and include loss of language skills, trouble finding words, problems with thinking, bad choices, confusion in place and time, mood swings, and changes in personality. This disease is not communicable, it is also not congenital you get it at an old age not at birth or at an early age. Alzheimer's Disease affects men and women about equal. The disease strikes older people more common, affecting about 10% of Americans over age 65 and 47% of those over age 85. The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known. Researchers are studying assumed causes such as neurological damage, chemical deficiencies, viruses, genetic abnormalities, environmental toxins and malfunctions in the bodys disease defense systems. There is a slightly increased risk that family of patients with Alzheimer's disease will get it. Some patients who get the disease in middle age have a familial type, which means more than one get it in the family. Right now there is no cure or treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, there are many dishonest individuals ...

The Governments Role in the Economy

The Government's Role in the Economy In the narrowest sense, the governments involvement in the economy is to help correct market failures or situations in which private markets cannot maximize the value that they could create for society.  This includes providing public goods, internalizing externalities (consequences of economic activities on unrelated third parties), and enforcing competition.  That being said, many societies have accepted a broader involvement of government in a capitalist economy. While consumers and producers make most of the decisions that mold the economy, government activities have a powerful effect on the U.S. economy in several areas. Promoting Stabilization and Growth Perhaps most important, the federal government guides the overall pace of economic activity, attempting to maintain steady growth, high levels of employment, and price stability. By adjusting spending and tax rates (known as fiscal policy) or managing the money supply and controlling the use of credit (known as monetary policy), it can slow down or speed up the economys rate of growth and, in the process, affect the level of prices and employment. For many years following the Great Depression of the 1930s, recessions- periods of slow economic growth and high unemployment often defined as two consecutive quarters of decline in the gross domestic product, or GDP- were viewed as the greatest of economic threats. When the danger of recession appeared most serious, the government sought to strengthen the economy by spending heavily itself or by cutting taxes so that consumers would spend more, and by fostering rapid growth in the money supply, which also encouraged more spending. In the 1970s, major price increases, particularly for energy, created a strong fear of inflation, which is an increase in the overall level of prices. As a result, government leaders came to concentrate more on controlling inflation than on combating recession by limiting spending, resisting tax cuts, and reining in growth in the money supply. A New Plan for Stabilizing the Economy Ideas about the best tools for stabilizing the economy changed substantially between the 1960s and the 1990s. In the 1960s, the government had great faith in fiscal policy, or the manipulation of government revenues to influence the economy. Since spending and taxes are controlled by the president and the Congress, these elected officials played a leading role in directing the economy. A period of high inflation, high unemployment, and huge government deficits weakened confidence in fiscal policy as a tool for regulating the overall pace of economic activity. Instead, monetary policy- controlling the nations money supply through such devices as interest rates- assumed a growing involvement. Monetary policy is directed by the nations central bank, known as the Federal Reserve Board, which has considerable independence from the president and the Congress. The Fed was created in 1913 in the belief that centralized, regulated control of the nation’s monetary system would help alleviate or prevent financial crises such as the  Panic of 1907, which started with a failed attempt to corner the market on the stock of the United Copper Co. and triggered a run on bank withdrawals and the bankruptcy of financial institutions nationwide. Source Conte, Christopher and Albert Karr.  Outline of the U.S. Economy. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of State.

Assignment 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Assignment 2 - Essay Example Assessing the risk comprehensively includes evaluating the total magnitude and likelihood of the potentiality of losses, and also offers a full understanding, of the roots and impact of these losses (Kevin, n.d.). A comprehensive risk assessment involves the following steps: 1. Setting and understanding the context. It involves articulating the objectives and the parameters of the institution considers when managing risks. This is assesses the current situation, needs gaps and evaluates what already exists, to build on the capacity and avoid duplication of efforts. This is carried out through a systematic inventory and evaluation of the already existing risk assessment studies and the available data (FIRESCOPE, 1994). 2. Hazard identification This involves finding the type, location, intensity, and likelihood of threats and risks prevalent in a given community. 3. Evaluating exposure This identifies the population and the property that is at risk and demarcates disaster prone areas. 4. Analysis of vulnerability This determines the capacity of the elements in a given community at risk to withstand the risk conditions. 5. Impact analysis This outlines the estimation of potential losses of the exposed population, property, livelihood, environment and the economy. 6. Profiling the risk This evaluates the various cost effective risk reduction options available, in terms of the ability of the community in risk reduction and its socio-economic concerns. 7. Formulation and revisions of action strategies and plans. This involves setting priorities, allocation of resources (both human and financial) and initiating relevant programmes. The all hazards approach entails inclusion of all the possible types of risk or threat in risk assessment. It aims to include all the types of risk, irrespective of the source, to give a standardized overview guided by a set of principles and steps. It’s a comprehensive and integrated means of assessing threats and risks. Assessing r isks using the all hazards approach in an integrated way significantly reduces the vulnerability of people, property, environment and the economy (Service, 2010). Question 2 Business continuity refers to the ability of an organization to provide support and service to its clients and its ability to keep up its viability before, during and after a business continuity occurrence. It’s a holistic management approach that recognizes the potential impact that would threaten the firm and it offers a framework of building the capacity and resilience for an effective response so as to safeguard its interests. Although it may be more practical for large businesses, it is very important to maintain full functioning throughout a disaster crisis. Business continuity plans also outlines the basic concerns like the leadership command in an event a company leader dies or is really ill. They also address backup plans for drastic scenarios such as patent lawsuits, labour disputes, or bottlene cks distortions. This allows the leaders to review the threats and weaknesses to their organization from a detached point of view. Tight plans guarantee the teams that the leaders are aware of how to turn on a dime when in challenging times. The process can also highlight the weaknesses of an organization can correct way before facing a disaster. For a business to be successful, it has to constantly meet the needs to its customers. Failure to

Media Entertainment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Media Entertainment - Essay Example This report declares that the purpose of media entertainment is to, simply put, entertain the masses. The various mediums of media offer different experiences, allowing everyone to have more than a couple of options of how to be entertained. Music entertainment exists for people who only want to please their sense of hearing; for people that like to sing along with their music, it also offers them the chance to engage with this form of entertainment. Television shows and movies provide people with the opportunity to watch various exploits as if viewing from the sidelines. Video games all people to actually engage with the storyline of their entertainment. For those that like to watch or listen to news broadcasts or sporting events, they can do so without having to leave their home. There is a form of media for everyone. This paper explores that the various functions of media entertainment encompass various ways to entertain and inform people. Though there are people that believe the media will be the downfall of intelligence in children and the human race as a whole, studies have shown that being subjected to media entertainment, regardless of the medium, can help a person to become well rounded and cultured, as they are experiences different life events, situations, and artistic expression via the media. However, to make the learning experience more enjoyable, the media really has to play up on the entertaining aspects of their entertainment. Likewise, the entertaining aspects of the media also need to be as such to attract various audiences and to bring them coming back for more.

Health Care and Transportation in Germany from a Cultural Perspective Research Paper

Health Care and Transportation in Germany from a Cultural Perspective - Research Paper Example Moreover, the elderly are given preference when it comes to treatment as they are they perceived to be more delicate. They believe that an individual’s health is of utter importance and paramedics must be professional enough in handling health-related cases. What’s more, a Drogerie or â€Å"drug store† does not sell medicines or drugs; it is more of a mart for detergents, toiletries, and beauty products. Since Germans are health conscious and value prevention more than cure, consumption of biskost (biologically-grown foods), natural foods, vitamins, herbal teas and health foods are encouraged (Wiltenburg, 182). They can be purchased from a Bioladen (small shops that stock highly nutritious foods rich in vitamins and other minerals) at reasonable prices. When one is in need of cure, recovery, or preventive medicine, they should visit a Kurort (a pharmacy in the American context; it stocks common drugs but the prescription is given). Germany enjoys a high level of healthcare with high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates. While working in Germany, one must comprehend the mix of the private and public health insurance (Expatica, N. pg). Employees are allowed to hold both private and public health insurance covers but must display the aptitude and capability to meet the cost of both covers. To obtain a residence visa, foreign inhabitants must provide substantiation of being under a public health insurance coverage. Noteworthy, Germany operates a government-sponsored â€Å"sickness fund† called Krankenkasse which provides coverage against most predominant ailments in the country, and employees are expected to subscribe to this fund and contribute accordingly (Herb, 2). All employees, whether insiders or outsiders are expected to honour contributions since violation is criminalized and indictable. Similarly, while Americans are familiar with pharmacies, managers in Germany are required to operate or be linked to an Apotheker which does not only provide drugs such as aspirin but also provides a considerable help to employees with a disorder (Herb, 2).  Ã‚  

Measuring Consistency Among Management of Employees

Measuring Consistency Among Management of Employees Conceptualisation, Measurement And Effects Introduction Of The Research Problem And Research Questions This research project focuses on the development and validation of a method for measuring consistency among practices in the management of employees, a field often referred to as Human Resource Management (HRM). With the increasing importance of the ‘human factor in modern organizations, HR-issues have become more salient to organizations that believe that people are their most important asset in achieving organizational goals. Different streams of HR-consistency research can be identified, often divided in the categories ‘external consistency and ‘internal consistency. Both streams of research are in development because of the notion that in the case of external consistency the alignment of HRM practices (e.g. selection, training, pay, appraisal, job security, participation) with business strategy results in positive outcomes. This research project focuses on the concept of ‘internal consistency. The idea central to internal consistency is the positive outcomes generated by consistent combinations of multiple HRM practices, where the effect of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Many authors already outline the idea that sets of consistent HRM practices can reinforce employee attitudes and behaviour (e.g. Wright McMahan, 1992; Ichniowski et al., 1996; Guest, 1997, Baron Kreps, 1999; Ostroff Bowen, 2000, Boselie, 2002), but also that inconsistent combinations can be ‘deadly (Becker, Huselid, Pickus Spratt, 1997) or create ‘double binds that drive people crazy (Schneider, 1999). Baron Kreps (1999) describe the desirability of internal consistency in terms of the desirability of messages sent out to employees being simple (by following the same principles) and supportive of the same theme. By HRM practices being internally consistent, employees know what is expected of them and what they can expect in turn. Academic research on the effects of multiple HRM practices often proclaims to study internal consistency by defining sets of congruent HRM practices as a system. More specifically, it is suggested that systems of ‘high commitment practices increase organizational effectiveness by creating conditions where employees become highly involved in the organization and work hard to accomplish the organizations goals (Arthur, 1994; MacDuffie, 1995; Whitener, 2000). However, with the exception of Whitener (2000), researchers study the effects of high commitment HR systems on measures of organizational effectiveness without investigating the relationship between high commitment HRM practices and aspects of employee commitment. Stated is that very little is known about how and through which processes HRM practices influences organizational performance (Guest, 1997; Becker, Huselid, Pickus Spratt, 1997; Ostroff Bowen, 2000). Intermediate processes that ultimately affect performance outcomes are referred to as the ‘black box of the HRM-outcome link (e.g. Wright Gardner, 2003). Unlocking the ‘black box means identifying HR-objects that are relevant to employee performance. Ostroff Bowen (2000) state that an HR system is believed to be a complex set of practices that is designed to influence employees attributes that are purported to be the mediating mechanism that links HRM practices and performance outcomes. This proposal identifies the employee attributes of development, wellbeing and motivation to be general goals of HRM activities in creating employee commitment to the organization. Following Guest (1997) and Ostroff Bowen (2000), it is expected that within the variety of HRM practices that an organization holds, different ‘bundles of HRM practices or configurations of internal consistent HRM practices are reinforcing and complementary towards these three different objects that link HRM and outcomes.: Well-being Performance Internal Consistent HR- configurations Motivation Development Another focus of the research project is the conceptualisation of   different configurations of internal consistent HRM practices towards employee development, well-being and motivation. In search for a clear rationale or clear rationales for the way any one practice reinforces the effectiveness of others, no explicit theories for the combined effect of HRM practices are present. Much of the effort done to identify internal consistent practices is by seeking statistical justification for fitting practices afterwards (Guest, 1997; Youndt, Snell, Dean Lepak, 1996; Huselid, 1995). The statistical justification however raises questions on what the explanation of effects of internal consistency is. This study will concentrate on constructing a theory-driven framework for HR-consistency. Finally, the measurement of consistent HRM practices is still discussed in recent literature. Wright Gardner (2003) argue that regarding the level of analysis of HRM practices, most research has concentrated on identifying sets of HRM practices at the organizational level by using single-respondent measures of sets of HRM practices. But the assumption that HRM practices are invariable across large groups of jobs within organizations is not feasible, as Lepak Snell (2002) pointed out. This suggests that lowering the level of analysis could give a more accurate insight in the variation of sets of HRM practices within organizations and across job groups or (business) units. Additionally, gathering data by using single-responses of HR-managers on which HRM practices are in place, probably gives no accurate reflection of reality. Such single-respondent measures of sets of HRM practices are subject to, for instance, the respondents degree of accurate information. Therefore, Guest (1999) and Wright and Gardner (2003) have proposed to measure HRM practices through individual employee perceptions, since employees are the focal unit HRM practices aim at. As such, the research project will focus on the perception op employees on HRM practices. Taken together, this research project aims at the development and validation of a theory-driven method for measuring internal HR-consistency towards employee outcomes as development, well-being and motivation. Further, it examines the contribution of consistency among HRM practices to employee performance. With the notion there is little agreement among researchers on (1) what theoretical basis can be given for consistent combinations of HRM practices (MacDuffie, 1995; Guest, 1997; Ostroff Bowen, 2000), (2) also very little has been done to test internal consistency (Purcell, 1999), and (3) little is known on which consistent HRM practices lead to which outcomes (Dyer and Reeves, 1995; Becker Gerhart, 1996), this leads to the following research questions: Research Problem The research problems central to this proposal are: Which different theoretical approaches to different configurations of internal consistent HRM practices can be identified and what are the implications for the conceptualisation of HR-consistency? How to measure the consistency among HRM practices? What is the effect of internally consistent HRM practices on employee outcomes and organizational performance? Elaboration Of The Research Problems Working towards the development of an instrument for measuring   consistency among HRM practices, three studies involve conceptualisation, a pilot study and the main study testing the effect of HR consistency on performance outcomes. These studies are reviewed below. Conceptualisation Of Internal Hrconsistency Background In defining which consistent configurations of HRM practices are related to the specific objects of development, well-being and motivation, different theoretical approaches can be taken. Working towards a conceptualisation of HR-consistency, some theoretical insights with respect to the combination of HRM practices that already have been made, are described in short here. First, Guest (1997; 2001) refers to the variants of expectancy theory (e.g. Vroom, 1964) as a useful theory with respect to explaining the effects of HRM practices on employee outcomes through the enhancement of motivation. Variants of expectancy theory agree on the proposition that high performance at the individual level, depends on the motivation plus possession of the necessary skills and abilities and an appropriate role and the understanding of that role (Guest, 1997, p. 268). For the consistent combination of HRM practices Guest states there is a case for building on the variants of expectancy theory to combine three sets of practices concerned with competence (e.g. training and development practices or staffing practices), motivation (for example job security, individualized reward systems) and role utilization (for example involvement practices, job design practices). Second, Tsui, Pearce, Porter Tripoli (1997) and Tsui Wang (2002) treat several HRM practices as ‘inducements provided by the employer for expected contributions by the employee in four employment relationships approaches. For the primary conceptual foundation for the employment relationship framework Tsui et al. (1997) use exchange theories (e.g. Blau, 1964). Based on these theories HRM practices could be divided in job-focused and organization-focused HRM practices. Job-focused HRM practices (e.g. pay and short-term investments as job-related training) are consistent in a way they resemble an economic exchange that focuses employee attention on the work unit by formal goal setting, and rewarding unit performance. Organization-focused HRM practices (e.g. job security, participation, and career planning) are consistent in a way they resemble a more social exchange indicating the employers investment in employees and in return investments of employees (e.g. learning new skills, investing in social relationships, flexibility) in the organization. This shows that by building on expectancy theory or exchange theory different bundles of consistent HRM practices arise towards different objects. For the development of an instrument, more insight in different theoretical approaches is required. To review the work already done in this field, this study provides an inventory of different theoretical approaches towards HRM and its outcomes. The aim is to conceptualise this inventory of consistent HRM practices towards employee development, well-being and motivation. Methodology To determine the conceptual structure of the concept of internal consistency we make use of facet analysis. Based on different theoretical approaches, this analysis is conducted to screen topics concerning HR and work practices and their relation with development, well-being, motivation within existing (empirical) literature and instruments. For an extensive screening the following guidelines are used: Literature and instruments are used within the field of organization of labour, Human Resource Management, social policy, work governance models. Literature and instruments can also concern other aspects than only HRM practices The instruments can range from questionnaires, interview methods, to checklists For each theoretical concept of internal consistency towards the three separate objects, HRM practices listed in the various instruments will be identified. Finally, in this qualitative research consistent sets of HRM practices and measures are clustered. Product A product of this study is a first review article on the concept of consistency: Conceptualizing Consistency Among Hrm Practices Conceptual Model Study Well-being Internal Consistent HR- configurations Motivation Development Facet 2 Facet 3 Facet 1 Facet X Pilot Project: Measuring Internal Consistency Background After study 1 proposes which HRM practices theoretically constitute consistent sets of HRM practices towards employee development, well-being motivation, the focus of study 2 is on the measurement of internal HR-consistency. As noted above, consistency among HRM practices towards objects as employee development, well-being and motivation could serve as theoretical framework for identifying the link between consistency and performance outcomes. But how do we measure the different HRM practices? Do employees perceive the same HRM practices to be consistent towards these three objects? Testing the reliability of different internal HR-consistency configurations towards these three objects of consistency is the main focus for the development of a measure for consistency among HRM practices. This study contains a pilot project concerned with the development and testing the reliability of an instrument and procedure to empirically grasp the concept of HR-consistency as perceived by one of the stakeholders, namely the employees affected by them. Methodology A pilot study will be conducted to develop a reliable instrument and validate the measurement of the concept of internal HR-consistency set out in study. Through self-reports, a sample of 300 employees will be studied on their perception of HRM practices in their organization. To ensure that the instrument will be applicable to a wide range of employees, we will use a stratified sample, stratified according to sex, age, job level, company size and working for a profit or non-profit organization. Employees are selected within this sampling frame. Also the objects of development, well-being and motivation at an individual level will be studied by using commonly accepted scales. When possible, these first data will be collected through data collection within master thesis projects. Internal consistency will be measured both directly and indirectly. Indirectly, by examining if theory-driven consistent configurations of HRM practices promote the objects of development, well-being and motivation. Directly, by asking employees which consistency among HRM practices promote the three proposed employee outcomes. Both methods are used to strengthen the concept of consistency. Product Measuring Internal Consistency: A Pilot Project Conceptual Model Study Well-being Internal Consistent HR- configurations Motivation Development Effects Of Internal Consistency On Employee Performance Background The final step within this PhD project focuses on the performance outcomes of the way human resource practices coexist in a consistent or inconsistent manner. Predicted is that individual performance is promoted by HRM practices being consistent towards the three objects that mediate this relationship. A major question still remaining in HRM research is how HRM practices relate to performance outcomes (Ostroff Bowen, 2000; Guest, 1997). As noted earlier it is suggested that different theoretical mechanisms could serve as indicators of consistency among HRM practices that in turn affect different objects. The relationship between three HR-configurations towards development, well-being and motivation on the one hand and individual performance on the other hand will be tested to validate effective configurations of internal consistency examined in study. Methodology Results from the pilot study will be used to validate the instrument and further develop the instrument. For the main testing of effects of HR-consistency configurations on outcomes employee development, well-being, motivation and ultimately performance, two case-organizations, one profit and one nonprofit, will be selected to participate. To ensure that individual performance can be measured, the two organizations are selected on the basis of the use of formal job appraisals. In each of the selected organizations a sample 200 employees will be studied. The expectation is that by participating in the development of an instrument that can be used for own purposes concerning HR-decisionmaking, financial resources for his project could be ensured through mutual interest. The instrument could serve as a HRM scan for organizations and, as such, improve their employee policies by giving insight in the mechanism and effects of their HRM practices. Another goal is to establish long-term collaborations with interested organizations to keep track of the effectiveness of the instrument. Results Relevance The most important result of the research project is a dissertation consisting of four academic articles. The practical and societal relevance of the project is mainly to establish evidence for the importance of HR-consistency and insight in how that affects the employees as well as the organization. In this way conceptualising HR-processes and visualising their effects make a contribution. The relevance of this study lies in extending the literature on internal consistency by also taking the consistency-well-being link and the consistency-development link into account. Also relevant is linking the changing tenure to more performance-based practices to outcomes for wellbeing and development of employees. Another relevant aspect is handing out HR-professionals a theory-driven framework and instrument to asses their internal HR-policy. Other stakeholders such as unions or work councils could benefit while negotiating wages and benefits in the light of consistency with other HRM practices already present. A final point of relevance concerns the contribution to the research program of the department of Human Resource Studies (PEW) by providing tools for further research by the department. References Arthur, J.B. (1994). Effects of human resource systems on manufacturing performance and turn-over. Academy of management journal, 37, p.670-687. Baron , J.N. Kreps, D.M. (1999). Strategic Human Resources. New York: Wiley Sons. Becker, B. Gerhart,B. (1996). The impact of Human Resource Management on organizational Performance: Progress Prospects. Academy of Management Journal, 39, p.779-801 Becker, B., Huselid, M., Pickus P. Spratt, M. (1997). HR as a source of shareholder value: research and recommendations. Human Resource Management, 36, p.39-47 Blau, P. (1964). Exchange and Power in Social Life. New York: Wiley. Boselie, P. (2002). Human resource management, work systems and performance : a theoretical-empirical approach. Amsterdam: Thela Thesis (dissertation). Dyer, L. Reeves, T. (1995). HR strategies and firm performance: what do we know and where do we need to go. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 6, p.656-670 Guest, D.E. (1997). Human resource management and performance. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 8 (3), 263-275. Guest, D.E. (1999). Human resource management: The Workers Verdict. Human Resource Management Journal, 9 (3), 5-25 Guest, D.E. (2001). Human resource management: When research confronts theory. International Journal Human Resource Management, 12 (7), 10-25 Huselid, M.A. (1995). The impact of human resource management practices on turn-over, productivity, and corporate financial performance. Academy of management journal, 38, 635-672. Lepak, D.P. Snell, S.A. (2002). Examining the Human Resource Architecture: The relations among Human Capital, Employment and Human Resource Configurations. Journal of Management, 28 (4), 517-543. MacDuffie, J.P. (1995). Human Resource Bundles and Manufacturing Performance. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 48 (2), 197-221 Ostroff, C., Bowen, D. E. (2000). Moving HR to a higher level: HR practices and organizational effectiveness. In K. J. Klein S. W. J. Koslowski (Eds.), Multilevel theory, research, and methods in organizations. Tsui, A.S., Pearce, J.L., Porter, L.W., Tripoli, A.M. (1997). Alternative approaches to employee-organizational relationship: Does investment in employees pay off? Academy of management journal, 40 (5), 1089-1121 Tsui, A.S., Wang (2002). Employment relationships from the employers perspective: Current Research and Future Directions. International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 17, 77-114 Vroom, V. (1964). Work and Motivation. New York: John Wiley and Sons Whitener, E.M. (2001). Do â€Å"high commitment† human resource practices affect employee commitment? A cross-level analysis using hierarchical linear modeling. Journal of Management, 27, p.515-535. Wright, P.M. McMahan, G.C. (1992). Theoretical perspectives for strategic human resource management. Journal of Management, 18, 195-320. Wright, P.M. Gardner, T.M. (2003) The Human Resource-Firm Performance relationship: Methodological and Theoretical Challenges in Holman, D., Wall, T.D, Clegg, C.W., Sparrow, P. Howard, A. (Eds.) The New Workplace: A guide to the human impact of modern working practices.

Colonies Essay -- essays research papers

The Middle and Southern settlements were as different as night and day. Established for different economical and social reasons, these two colonial areas share very few similarities. Reasons for their migration and their final destinations greatly influenced the outcome of each society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, the Southern Colonies were formed by aristocratic Europeans who came to the New World in search of land. These wealthy people brought Europeans and African servants. In their new home, the aristocrats produced a society in which only the wealthy had power. They tried and at some times forced their servants to convert to Christianity. They were constantly battling the Native Americans and had little respect for them. On the other hand, unhappy New England colonists and Europeans wanting complete freedom settled the middle colonies. The settlement of these lands was mainly started by William Penn. Penn, received land for the King for debts owed to his father. It was Penn’s goal to create a society in which all people were equal. There was no slavery in the Middle Colonies, unlike the Southern Colonies, and by law, all men could own land. Also, they respected the natives and even employed them from time to time. They remarked on how it wasn’t nec essary to bare weapons around these people. Although the goal of these settlements was complete religious toleration, it wasn’t totally feasible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In addition, the colonies in the south ... Colonies Essay -- essays research papers The Middle and Southern settlements were as different as night and day. Established for different economical and social reasons, these two colonial areas share very few similarities. Reasons for their migration and their final destinations greatly influenced the outcome of each society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, the Southern Colonies were formed by aristocratic Europeans who came to the New World in search of land. These wealthy people brought Europeans and African servants. In their new home, the aristocrats produced a society in which only the wealthy had power. They tried and at some times forced their servants to convert to Christianity. They were constantly battling the Native Americans and had little respect for them. On the other hand, unhappy New England colonists and Europeans wanting complete freedom settled the middle colonies. The settlement of these lands was mainly started by William Penn. Penn, received land for the King for debts owed to his father. It was Penn’s goal to create a society in which all people were equal. There was no slavery in the Middle Colonies, unlike the Southern Colonies, and by law, all men could own land. Also, they respected the natives and even employed them from time to time. They remarked on how it wasn’t nec essary to bare weapons around these people. Although the goal of these settlements was complete religious toleration, it wasn’t totally feasible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In addition, the colonies in the south ...

Hills Like White Elephants Essay

In the story â€Å"Hills like White Elephants† the vague dialogue conveys an allusive tone, in order to be represented correctly the author puts more emphasis in the character’s interaction with the setting. The setting is at a stopping point before their final destination. The dialogue mainly transpires throughout between the Girl and the American. This story is based around a vague dialogue, but is filled with the observations of the setting in order to express the pressure, significance, and opinions upon the subject at hand. In order grasp these messages, the reader interprets through the vivid imagery that is depicted by the author.The style of writing conveys this picture with an intended amount of clarity to leave the rest up to the reader to elucidate. This clarification is necessary in order for the reader to truly grasp the decision at hand and the weight of it as well. A metaphorical aspect of the setting is the â€Å"Elephant in the Room [2]†. This im plies that there is a subject that no one truly wants to discuss, and is left there to fester within the subconscious of these two characters until they have finally reached their decision. Another extended metaphor throughout the story is â€Å"†¦Like White Elephants†.This symbol can be interpreted as a great gift given to a person, but it is also a heavy burden that most would not desire. At this time they are having the discussion on whether or not to have an â€Å"Operation†. There are four main aspects of the setting that reflect upon the tone. The first are the hills mentioned in the beginning of the story. The second is the isolation between the two characters within the train station, and this is mainly because of it’s opposition to the tone, The first part of the setting that is mentioned is the hills along the Ebro Valley that from their perspective has no shade or trees.The absence of shade represents the blatant manner of how the American goes a bout convincing the girl in this story. Over and over again he promises happiness if she agrees. The trees represent life she is considering having. The absence of shade also shows why there is an absence of trees. As the â€Å"sun† overwhelms the â€Å"trees† they start to wither away. For example, later in the story as another form of persuasion he says â€Å"I don’t want you to do it if you feel that way [1]† in order to coax her in to making the decision he wishes for without making it seem that he had any influence with it.This displays the American’s true intention to rid Jig and himself of the baby. The lack of shade may also symbolize the lack of thought the girl goes through for the American’s suggestions. For example, the girl does not speak Spanish and therefore relies on him in order to get her a drink, and after that she also asks him if a drink is good with water claiming that she couldn’t decide this on her own. Her dep endency on the American in these situations indicates how reliant she is on him. This is an example of why she is so incapable of making such heavy decision.The second significant aspect of the setting is the Train station. The statement â€Å"the station was between two lines of rails in the sun. [3]† this has two significant observations. The first is the fact that the station is between two lines. This means that the conversation and the two’s relationship is at a â€Å"Stop† or a crossroad. At this point they are to make an important decision about whether or not to keep the baby. In this story you’ll notice the dialogue of the girl sounds somewhat ambivalent due to the way her decision sways back and forth. This is a prime example of why.What she sees on that side ultimately depicts the choice she is about to make. For example; in the story the reader may notice that there are â€Å"no trees† along the hillside. Later in the story the American is still busy trying to convince and then she gets up and she walks to the other side of the station she notices fields of prospering vegetation full of life alongside a flowing river whose viscosity emphasizes the idea of moving forward. These enticing promises from the American paired with the barren valley are dwarfed by the cornucopia of life seen within the field on the other.The juxtaposition between the two sides represents the heaviness of the choice on whether to give life or take it. The second tone-related characteristic of this station was the drinking between the American and the girl. As the girl and the American sat, she asked him what they should drink the American suggested alcohol. The beer was a way of escaping the serious discussion the two were trying to avoid. The alcohol was a method of getting around the â€Å"Elephant in the Room† with such dry small talk as â€Å"The beer is nice and cool [4]† or â€Å"They look like white elephants†¦.. I`ve never seen one†¦no you wouldn’t have [5]†.The girl points out that this routine of â€Å"look at thing and try new drinks? [6]†has grown tiring. This is the first change in her mood that is noticed, but after this small inquiry she recedes into her submissive nature continues this throughout most of the story. The third aspect of the setting that expresses the allusive tone is the juxtaposition between the two sides of the valley. This is another example of the reader relying on the setting in order to understand the representation of the tone. One of the sides features long white hills that resemble white elephants and are without shade or any trees.White Elephants are a symbol of burden, which anyone would normally abhor from. This mainly represents the American’s view on how this pregnancy will affect the two of them and how they’ll live. He states â€Å"We`ll be fine afterwards [7]† and â€Å"That’s the only thing that bothers us. [8]† in order to convince her about the positive things that will come out of this operation. The girl later retracts the statement about the hills looking like white elephants but states â€Å"They’re lovely hills†¦.. They don’t really look like white elephants. I just meant the coloring through the trees. 9]†. This portrays a sudden change within the girl; from being very submissive to what the American suggests (Reason why she sees the hills without trees and lifeless) to questioning the reason for avoiding the true matters at hand (Reason she now sees flaws in his logic and starts form optimistic views about how the baby should not have an effect on how their relationship functions. ). The trees on this side of the station ultimately resemble the life she can hope for, but the other side of the station represents a promise of homogenous happiness.This side is showcases the joys of not having to worry about the â€Å"One thing that mak es unhappy†. The fields of grain and the river appeared to represent the progress that the American promised. While the girl stares into this auspicious land a cloud’s shadow is cast upon it. This shadow foretells the future that land that would prosper will have the shadow’s influence over, meaning the American will most likely take over her will and rid her of independent thought. Moreover there have already been examples of her relying on him for the simple decisions, and taking his desires as a primary concern instead of her own.The fourth aspect setting that reflects the allusive tone is the train. This part of the story conveys a sense of pressure to the story since it occurs within a time period of 40 minutes. Also since this in an unpopulated train station the sense of isolation also has an effect on the characters. This sense of isolation forces them to face the â€Å"Elephant in the Room† no matter how much they want and they must face it within the time frame. In order to avoid â€Å"talking with her† or communication between each other he speaks to her as if his attention was omewhere else. This explains why the American’s compelling reasoning is being heard over and over again. It’s mainly because he wants her to see his view and submit to his â€Å"Suggestion†. Once his suggestions fail he entices her with promises of affluence in the future by showing her the land and saying all this could be ours. The girl once again falls under the pressure of the time frame she has to make the choice and looking for relationship security, but after her acceptance of this the American perseveres with his insistence.In response the asks for silence or otherwise she’ll scream, this symbolizes the need for seclusion in order to steal away from the constant battering and pressure of another’s thoughts. The Woman then comes out with more alcohol in order to break the tension, also adds more pressu re by saying â€Å"The train comes in five minutes. [10]†. Instead of reiterating his last point he decides to take the heavy bags to the other side of the station, and when he comes back he decides to sit at the bar instead of the table with the Girl. He asks her if she felt better now and she replies with â€Å"I feel fine†¦.There’s nothing wrong with me. I feel fine. [11]† This tells us that she has resolved the issue by herself and is ready to continue with what she desires. In conclusion, we see that the different parts of the setting portray different methods of expressing their decision due to the lack of direct dialogue. Through things such as scenery like the hills; the change in how she sees them represent how her forms and has changed from when the story started. It has also been depicted through how the different sides of the train station juxtapose one another.On one side prosperity and promising futures are seen, but on the other side the deso late, dry, and lifeless hills promise nothing but a lack of progression. Another way the train station represents the tone is the change in what the girl sees alongside the hill as she abjures her previous statement and restates the hills no longer seem like white elephants but only appear that way through the trees. This change in viewpoint shows how she is starting to no longer lean on the opinion of the American and form one of her own.This retraction of her statement also means that she no longer sees this birth as the burden or the â€Å"Only thing that makes us unhappy† anymore. And lastly the inclusion of a timeframe increase the amount of weight that is felt within the decision making process. The train shows why the American is trying to be overly-persuasive in this conversation in order to convince her to go through with the operation. Overall, Ernest Hemingway expresses the majority of the decision through the characteristics of the setting and how the characters a re willing, unwilling, or unable to interact with one another.